Spirit is Ageless | Art & Writing Contest 2026

Now celebrating its 26th anniversary, the Spirit Is Ageless 2026 Art & Writing Contest returns to CC Young Senior Living, inviting older adults across the Dallas-Fort Worth area to showcase their creativity and submit original art and writing creations. Since its launch in 1999, this beloved competition has become a cultural touchstone, shining a spotlight on the powerful, often untold stories and talents that flourish later in life, reminding us that creativity knows no age limits.

See below or click here for entry details.

Visual Art Categories

• Emerging Artist: Open to artists of all mediums who are entering an art contest for the very first time.
• Echoes of the Masters: Art created in the style or spirit of a recognized artist, movement, or tradition.
• Drawing & Illustration: Includes artwork primarily created using mediums such as charcoal, pencil, and pastel.
• Group Entry: Artwork in any visual art category created collaboratively by two or more individuals.
• Hard Crafts & Sculpture: Three-dimensional art created through carving, casting, modeling, or other shaping techniques. This also includes wearable art, accessories and jewelry.
• Mixed Media: Artwork incorporating two or more distinct artistic mediums, collage.
• Painting (Acrylic): Paintings on canvas or paper using acrylic paints.
• Painting (Oil & Oil Pastel): Paintings on canvas or paper using oil paints or oil pastels.
• Painting (Watercolor): Paintings on canvas or paper using watercolor paints.
• Photography: Printed images captured by a traditional camera or mobile device.
• Soft Crafts (Quilts & Blankets): Large quilted or blanketed textile art. Knitting and crochet.
• Soft Crafts (Other): Includes items, inlduing wearable items, crafted through techniques like crocheting, knitting, cloth, weaving, tatting, needlework, embroidery, cross-stitch, and needlepoint.

Writing Categories

Submission Guidelines: All writing entries must be no more than four (4) double-spaced typed pages, using a minimum 12-point font.

• Poetry & Prose: Verse writing, including but not limited to prose poetry, free verse, formal poetry, and song lyrics.
• Personal Essay & Short Story: Includes short stories, novellas, and scripts.

Key Information:

• Online Registration (Required): Opens Saturday, August 1, 2026 at www.ccyoung.org/events/. Register online before bringing art.
• All Entries Displayed: Your submission will be part of The Spirit Is Ageless 2026 Art & Writing Contest show.
• Display Commitment: Entries must remain on display from art in-take through the awards program on Friday, October 23. No early removal.

Entry Rules:

• Age Requirement: Art and writing must be created at age 55+.
• CC Young Residents: Up to 2 free entries.
• Non-Residents: 1 free entry; $10 for 1 additional entry.
• Mark Each Entry Back With: Artist’s name, phone, title, & category.
• Group Entries: Include a list each participant’s name and age at creation for the Ageless Creativity award when registering.
• Category Changes: CC Young may re-categorize entries.

Hanging Guidelines:

• Ready to Hang: Framed/mounted art must have a saw-tooth hanger or wire (except sculpture, glass, ceramic, steel, wood, & writing).
• Hanging Questions: Call 214-841-2831.
• Display Selection: Determined by CC Young based on space.
• Right to Refuse: CC Young may decline any entry.
• No Liability: CC Young is not responsible for loss or damage.

Other Details:

• Single Pieces Only: No groupings.
• Previous Entries: Allowed if not a past SIA winner.
• Original Work: No reproductions, unless entering “Echoes of Masters” Category
• Photo Release: Entry grants permission for promotional use.
• Art Pricing: Purchase inquiries forwarded to artist for direct sale.
• Publicity Consent: Participation allows use of photos/videos for CC Young promotion.

Judging and Awards:

• An anonymous panel of judges will determine the winners. Notifications will be sent via email on or before Friday, September 4,2026.
• All participants will receive a certificate of participation and are invited to our Celebration of Artists and Writers on Friday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m.
• Awards Presented:
  • 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place in each category (non-cash).
  • Special Recognition: Best in Show Art (CC Young Resident)
  • Best in Show Writing (CC Young Resident)
  • Best in Show Art (Dallas/Ft. Worth Community Member)
  • Best in Show Writing (Dallas/Ft. Worth Community Member)
  • Celebrating Ageless Creativity Award (Most Senior Participant)
  • People’s Choice Awards ( 1 for Art & 1 for Writing)

Art Pickup:

• At the Celebration: Attendees can take their artwork at the conclusion of the awards program on Friday, October 23, 2026.
• General Pickup: Monday, October 26 – Thursday, October 29, 2026.
  • Between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily.
• Donation: Artwork not retrieved by the deadline may be considered a donation to CC Young (a non-profit), and the artist will be acknowledged.

Directions to The Point at CC Young

• Address: 4847 West Lawther Drive Dallas, TX 75214
• Location on Campus: See campus map for The Point.
• Driving Instructions:
  • From I-75 Central Expressway, follow signs for Northwest Highway/TX-12 Loop East. Travel east for about 2.5 miles and turn right onto West Lawther Drive. Our main entrance is on the right, marked by a white guard shack and CC Young signage. Proceed up the driveway to The Point.