ANNUAL VISUAL ARTS CONTEST
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Each year, we proudly host our Annual Virtual Art Contest, a celebration of creativity, resilience, and expression. This event invites people with disabilities from across Maryland to share their artistic talents in a welcoming online space. The contest not only showcases their work to a wide audience but also fosters confidence, recognition, and connection. By participating, artists gain the opportunity to have their art celebrated, while inspiring others with their unique perspectives and voices.
JURIED
ART
CONTEST
2026
“Happiness is…”
IN THE SPIRIT OF ELLENE “BRIT” CHRISTIANSEN
Sponsored by the Ellene “Brit” Christiansen Memorial
Three Age Categories:
Elementary (5 yrs. to 13 yrs.)
Secondary (14 yrs. to 21 yrs.)
Adult (22yrs. & up)
Eligibility: Artists with disabilities who reside in Maryland.
Requirements: One submission per artist, completed entry/release form signed by parent or legal guardian of artist or adult artist.
Deadline for Submissions: Monday, February 16, 2026.
2026 “Happiness is….” Contest Winners
Elementary Category
First Place:
August Day
“A Bowl of Fruit Loops”
Second Place:
Derrick Scott
“Hanging Out with Dad”
Third Place:
Andrew Roman-Padilla
“Family Makes Me Happy”
Secondary Category
First Place:
Vivian Trager
“The Beach”
Second Place:
Olani Mulleta
“Olani & Elelan in the Backyard”
Third Place:
Raden Bloodsworth
“Fall Trees”
Adult Category
First Place:
Francean Johnson
“Happiness is FALL”
Second Place:
Michael Frazier
“Happiness is a Beautiful Day”
Third Place:
Stacy Aghalarov
“Across the Oceans”
Brit Board of Director Prizes:
Ce’Nel Guthrie
“Me and My Friend”
Dontae Fulford
“The Gas Station”
Ryan Saifullah
“Rube Goldberg Trap”
Damisha Richardson
“My Mother”
Kaly McKibben
"The Dove of His Life”
Alexander Moy
“Rock Band”
Michael Privett
"The Tranquil Turtle”
Cheikh Seck
“Happiness in Bloom”
Congratulations to all of our winners and to all of the artists who entered our annual, virtual art contest! The artworks entered truly capture the feeling of what “Happiness is….” and bring light to how many different things in this beautiful world can make us happy. A bowl of fruit loops, a crisp fall day, a mom, a true friend, a fun game, a cool place, a beautiful creature, or something that brings peace to our hearts are just some of the topics covered by the artists who entered! Special thanks to our three judges, Sara Egorin-Hooper, Terry Flynn, and Michael Seipp for taking on the difficult task of deciding on the top winners! We had 112 entries this year! Please consider entering next year if you are an artist living in Maryland with a disability and please spread the word about our art contest!
-Tricia Lane-Forster, President Brit Board of Directors
Meet Our Jurors
Michael Seipp
Born and raised in Baltimore, Michael is a Master Painted Screen Artist dedicated to preserving this uniquely Baltimore art form. A member of the Painted Screen Society of Baltimore and the Hamilton Art Gallery Co-Operative, his work has been exhibited across the region and at the National Conference of Folk Art. His mission is to leave no Baltimore neighborhood without a painted screen.
Sara Egorin-Hooper
A self-proclaimed possibilitarian! She was a special educator for 44 years in Baltimore County Public Schools. Sara is a lover of all arts and a believer in the beauty and competence of all people. It has been her life's work to focus on the many strengths, gifts, and capabilities that all people possess. It is her fundamental belief that each person needs to be recognized as an important, valued, accepted, and contributing member of the school community and community at large. Additionally, Sara believes every individual is innately creative and an artist in their own right!
Terry Flynn
Baltimore area fiber artist and sculptor. Art and special educator for Baltimore County Public Schools for 20 years.