Support Maine Child As His Artwork Competes for a National Prize

A talented 6-year-old from Dexter has advanced in a national competition and could win $20,000 for his artwork.

An Icon in the World of Painting Inspired Passion in a 6-Year-Old from Maine

Think about this...what were your passions at 6 years old?

Mine likely involved riding my bike or getting up early to watch Bugs Bunny on Saturday mornings.

So, the story of Avery, a 6-year-old from Dexter who discovered a love for painting by watching Bob Ross on The Joy of Painting, fascinates me.

Dexter, Maine, 6-Year-Old Boy Has a Real Talent for Painting

Avery is autistic and found his joy watching Bob Ross paint.

When he started painting, his teachers and family quickly discovered that he had real talent.

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Avery's artwork is not the typical stick-figure, blue dog, purple tree watercolors we typically think of when it's a 6-year-old behind the brush.

Maine Residents Can Vote to Help a Dexter Boy Win America's Most Artistic Kid

You can see a selection of Avery's artwork here, where you can help him earn that $20,000 prize from the America's Most Artistic Kid contest by casting your vote.

Word has spread fast about this talented Mainer, with news agencies as far away as North Carolina carrying the story.

Avery's been climbing through the ranks in this contest and is currently a semi-finalist.

So, while you're checking out his paintings on the AMAK website, cast your vote for Maine's most artistic 6-year-old, and let's help him win the prize, which includes that $20,000 prize, an appearance on a special edition of the Joy of Painting, and his artwork displayed in a museum.

As of this writing, Avery was in 6th place, so he really needs our help to get to first and win the prize.

This phase of the contest closes on April 16, 2026, so cast your vote today.