Catherine Park created this first-place winning entry in the 2025 Senior Division.
The N.C. Department of Transportation's Division of Aviation hosts the North Carolina Aviation Art Contest each year to inspire and engage young people in aviation.
Entries for the 2026 North Carolina Aviation Art Contest must be received by Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.
The contest offers children ages 6-17 who live or attend school in North Carolina the chance to explore different aspects of aviation. Winners from the North Carolina competition progress to the national competition, hosted by the National Association of State Aviation Officials. Winners of the national competition are submitted to the international competition.
The
North Carolina Airports Association sponsors the art contest each year.
2026 Aviation Art Contest Theme: ‘Fly to Save Lives’
For over a hundred years, people have dreamed of flying in the sky. What once seemed like magic is now a part of our everyday lives. Planes and helicopters help us travel far and fast, bringing people together from all over the world. They also help during emergencies, like delivering food, medicine, fighting wildfires and finding people who need help.
This year’s theme is ‘Fly to Save Lives’. We want you to imagine how aviation and air sports can help save lives.
With your crayons, paint, or pencils, show us your ideas. How can flight make the world a safer and better place? The sky is not the limit—it’s where hope begins!
Contest Rules