Open from March 28–May 18, 2026, Filling in the Gaps features a selection of works from the 2026
New York City Gold Key recipients.

This exhibition in the Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education at The Metropolitan Museum of Art features more than 500 works of art and writing by New York City teens who received the highest regional recognition in the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards—the Gold Key Award. Presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in the United States. This year, 4,000 teens in grades 7–12 entered more than 17,000 works, representing 200 schools in all five boroughs.

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers’ mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their visionary work to the world through opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships. Former winners include artists Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, Kay WalkingStick, and John Baldessari—all represented in The Met collection—as well as Tschabalala Self, Stephen King, José Parlá, Amanda Gorman, Charles White, and Joyce Carol Oates.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, and are made possible through the generosity of Scholastic Inc., The Maurice R. Robinson Fund, Public Funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, AEO Better World Foundation, Robert Lehman Foundation, Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, William Talbott Hillman Foundation, and the Cowles Charitable Trust.

Featured image: Nia Soto, A Place for Us, Experimental Photography. Grade 12, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, New York, NY. Anne Sobala, Educator; NYC Scholastic Awards, Affiliate. Gold Key