A young artist from Southern Pines is competing in the Bob Ross “America’s Most Artistic Kid” contest — and with voting closing tonight, April 9, Moore County has one last chance to rally behind a local kid chasing a national title.
The Bob Ross presents America’s Most Artistic Kid competition invites young artists from across the country to submit their work and earn votes from their communities. The contest has drawn entries from dozens of states, but the Sandhills region has a local contender in the running — a 9-year-old from Southern Pines who has drawn attention at the national level.
What’s at Stake in the Bob Ross Art Contest
The stakes are real. The winner of the 2026 Most Artistic Kid competition takes home $20,000, has their artwork displayed in a museum exhibit, and earns an appearance on a special episode of The Joy of Painting — the iconic show made famous by Bob Ross himself. This year’s competition is hosted by celebrity judge Nicholas Hankins and features public voting as a key part of how finalists advance.
The quarterfinal round of voting ends tonight, Thursday, April 9, at 7 PM Pacific time. That means Sandhills residents still have time to get online and cast a vote.
How to Vote for the Southern Pines Contestant
Head to artistickid.org to find the Southern Pines contestant’s profile and cast your vote. Participants can receive one free vote per day, with additional votes available through a donation to a partnering charity. Every vote counts, especially heading into tonight’s deadline.
Stories like this are a reminder of the creativity and talent that runs deep in Moore County communities like Southern Pines, Pinehurst, and Aberdeen. Whether your child is an artist, an athlete, or something in between, the Sandhills is a community that shows up for its own.
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