A selection of the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Gold and Silver Key winners is currently on display at the Houston Public Library Downtown. Superintendent James Colbert Jr., HCDE Trustee Andrea Duhon and members of the Executive Leadership Team stopped by on March 4 to admire the artwork and writing of some of Harris, Fort Bend and Galveston counties’ most talented 9-12 graders.  

This year’s Scholastic exhibit features several new elements. For the first time in several years, selections include three-dimensional art like American Vision nominee “Dream Body” by Houston ISD’s Faina Maredia and sculpture pieces “ÆgishjaÌlmr’s Respite” and “Meltdown” by Grayson Borbidge and Ryan Li from Fort Bend Christian Academy and Studio Z Art School, respectively.  

“These creations are just incredible,” Colbert said, admiring each submission. “With some of them, you really can’t tell if it’s a painting or photograph, but I think that’s part of the beauty about the Scholastic Award Exhibit, because that’s part of each individual building their interpretation of the piece.” 

In addition to the traditional excerpts from written works typically included in the exhibition, writers were encouraged to let their voices truly shine. Attendees can now scan QR codes listed next to the artist’s name to hear a recording of students reading an excerpt of their creations for a more interactive experience.  

High School art and writing selections will be on display at the Houston Public Library (500 McKinney St.) until March 24, while selections from 7-8 graders will be on display at Texas Art Supply (2001 Montrose Blvd.). All 2,800 Gold and Silver Key winners will then be honored at Wortham Center on March 26.