Charleston, W.Va. – A Tyler County student will represent an important milestone in the state. Ayo Buerger, a junior from Tyler Consolidated High School, is the winner of the 2026 Arts Alive poster design contest. Her artwork will be prominently featured on this year’s event poster, program and other promotional materials. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) event, and Buerger’s design was chosen from among 77 submissions.
Arts Alive is the premier annual showcase of outstanding arts education and student achievements. The 2026 event is Friday, April 17, at the West Virginia Culture Center, and it features individual and collaborative work. From photography to three-dimensional art and from music to dance, students will put their talents on display with more than 100 art submissions and 18 live performances.
The poster contest is open to students in Grades 6-12 and provides an opportunity for them to showcase their drawing, painting or digital design skills. Visual art teachers, as well as career technical education teachers, worked closely with students to ensure their talents and skills were properly exhibited in submitted designs.
“Arts education provides students with a multi-faceted educational experience that incorporates science, mathematics, literacy and other subjects into instruction. This content strengthens students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills, while encouraging them to learn and grow from mistakes,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “Ayo’s design showcases the care, attention to detail and growth cultivated in students through arts education. I look forward to celebrating with her and our other student artists from around the state.”
Arts Alive supports arts education programs by providing the community a venue to celebrate the arts, honor inspired teaching and applaud the work of young artists.
The Arts Alive exhibit opens at 6 p.m., followed by live performances at 7 p.m.
