Spring Into Creativity: Youth Upcycled Art Competition at the Corning ReStore
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The Corning ReStore is proud to partner with The ARTS Council to support this year’s Spring Into Creativity: Youth Upcycled Art Competition, celebrating National Youth Art Month. Students in grades K–12 are invited to participate in this exciting opportunity to transform reclaimed materials into original works of art.
Registration is open through Friday, March 6, 2026.
As the host location, the Corning ReStore will provide each registered student with a $30 ReStore gift card to select materials for their upcycled art project. From March 9 through March 15, participants may visit the ReStore to explore our ever-changing inventory and choose items that inspire their creativity. Students might build a birdhouse, create a cat climbing tower, design a sculpture from hardware, or invent something entirely new. This is a chance to give discarded materials new life while expressing creativity and imagination.
Completed projects will be exhibited in April at the Southeast Steuben County Library, Steele Memorial Library, and in an online gallery.
Projects will be reviewed by a panel of judges. To be eligible, students must submit photographs of their completed work. Awards will be given for first, second, and third place in two age groups: K–6 and 7–12. Winners will be announced by email and on social media. Prize winners will receive awards to support their continued artistic development, and all participants will receive a certificate of recognition.
This program is free and open to all students in grades K–12.
Important Dates
March 6, 2026 – Registration deadline
March 9–15, 2026 – Students visit the Corning ReStore to receive their gift card and select materials
April 5, 2026 – Final project photos due (submit to Casey at casey@eARTS.org)
April 6–12, 2026 – Exhibit drop-off at Southeast Steuben County Library or Steele Memorial Library
April 13–May 10, 2026 – Public exhibition at the libraries
May 11–16, 2026 – Project pickup at the libraries