2025 Holiday Art Competition
On October 28, 2025, we celebrated the grand finale of our First Annual Holiday Art Competition - and wow, what a turnout! 
In total, we had 32 entries and we’re beyond grateful for all the incredible local students, their amazing artwork, and the unwavering support from our schools and community. 
In total, we had 32 entries and we’re beyond grateful for all the incredible local students, their amazing artwork, and the unwavering support from our schools and community.
Our judges had the tough task of selecting winners from so many phenomenal submissions!
Criteria ruled each piece must represent Henderson, incorporate Kernel Craze, and capture that perfect winter/holiday spirit. 
Here are your 2025 Holiday Art Champions:
3rd Place: Arlet Serna Alverado - VCS STEM Early High School
2nd Place: John Tran – Vance Charter (12th Grade)
1st Place: Charley Robinson – Vance Charter (9th Grade)Our 1st Place winner received $100 
and their artwork will be featured on our 2025 Holiday Popcorn Tins!
and their artwork will be featured on our 2025 Holiday Popcorn Tins!2nd and 3rd place winners will also have their art featured on special edition tins and small buckets this upcoming season. Each winner got to take home a filled tin featuring their very own design! 
Here’s the best part: More than 8% of every Holiday Popcorn Tin sale will be donated directly to the art department of the school represented by each winning artist. 
That means every purchase not only celebrates local talent but also supports creative education right here in our community! 
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing judges:
Dr. Alice Sallins – Director, Vance County Arts Council
Melody Peters – Youth Services Librarian, Perry Memorial Library
Charles Turrentine Jr. – CAC Chair & Director, Pathways 2 PeaceA special thank you to Gia L Photography N.C. for the spectacular photos, and Crews Balloons for the magical balloon arrangement! And of course, a huge shoutout to Sadie's Coffee Corner for opening your space for our event, and Jayden Watkins for opening the evening with a beautiful prayer. 
This was just the beginning - we’ve learned so much and can’t wait to make next year’s competition bigger and even more spectacular!
Stay tuned for more event photos and the official release of our Holiday Popcorn Tins, featuring these incredible student designs - and helping fund local art programs with every sale!
