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Olympics of the Visual Arts
NYSATA annually hosts a student creative problem-solving contest for teams across all 10 regions. Member art teachers serve as team advisors for student teams of 2 or more from elementary, middle or high school levels. Each team develops a long-term design solution in one of eight categories and also participates in an on-demand design challenge at the live event. Teams present a portfolio along with their entry to showcase the research, planning and process that led to the final design. This friendly and spirited competition among students across the state is a wonderful way for students to interact with other student artists and together celebrate creativity.
OVA relies heavily on our generous members and community volunteers who serve as planners, on site coordinators, and category judges. Please reach out to learn more and discover the excitement that is OVA.
The 2027 Olympics of the Visual Arts will take place in person at the Saratoga City Center, Saratoga Springs, NY on April 19.
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We are excited for the 45th Olympics of the Visual Arts event this April. Inspired by the New York State Museum’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States (NYS 250th), this year’s Olympics of the Visual Arts design challenges invite students to explore the many stories that have shaped New York State. While the Revolutionary era marked a pivotal moment in our nation's history, New York’s story is much broader. It is a story of constant discovery, creativity, adaptation, and innovation.
This year's OVA challenges encourage students to look closely at what makes New York unique. Your inspiration may come from a place, person, species, tradition, invention, or idea. You may explore something historic, something happening today, or imagine something that could shape New York’s future.
Resource Links:
The Olympics of the Visual Arts design categories and titles are
Drawing—Regional Nature Journaling
Painting—Waters as Storytellers
Illustration—Mother of Exiles
Sculpture—Monumental Breakthrough
Fashion—Boombox to Runway
Architecture—Bridges of Connection
Photography—Cultural Archive Collection
Design—Sounds of the State
Important Dates
Registration Deadline: March 19, 2027
Design Solution Slide Deadline: April 12, 2027
OVA Event: April 19, 2027
Below you will find resources to help support your participation in the Olympics of the Visual Arts event. Please reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions about how to be involved.
Special thanks to Blick Art Materials for their partial sponsorship of this year's OVA event.
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| OVA Registration and Documents |
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School District Registration Fees for 2026
1 team—$150
2-5 teams—$200
6-10 teams—$250
11+ teams—$300
One advisor (Primary Contact) will register for each School District. The primary contact will register all the teacher advisors and student teams. The primary contact will need to pass all communications to all other advisors in the district.
To register, you'll need the first and last name, email address, and school building for each teacher advisor, as well as the team category and grade level.
ALL TEAM ADVISORS MUST BE ACTIVE NYSATA MEMBERS.
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Register Your District’s Teams*
*Teams are limited to one team per grade level per category per district
Registration Deadline: March 19, 2027
Design Solution Slide Deadline: April 12, 2027
OVA Event: April 19, 2027
Important Documents
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| Before You Arrive |
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Please download and complete ALL of the following prior to arrival at the Saratoga City Center site.
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| Submit Your Design Solution |
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Submit your design solution on a Google Slide using the provided Google Slide template. Coming in the Spring.
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| Volunteers Needed! |
- Coordinate volunteers
- Select, order and sell OVA swag/merchandise
- Judge categories onsite
- Assist with problem-writing
- Photograph/document/video the event
- Managing onsite registration and check-in
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Volunteer here or contact [email protected]
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