A young artist from the Sandhills is drawing attention in a nationwide competition inspired by television painter Bob Ross.
Nine-year-old Layla Hoogland is competing in the 2026 “America’s Most Artistic Kid” contest. Layla is currently in third place in the quarterfinal round and needs votes to advance.
Layla’s artwork often tells a story. Her drawings capture action, emotion, and movement, and she frequently creates portraits and imaginative scenes filled with detail.
She works with a variety of materials, from pen and pencil to paint and objects gathered from around her home and from nature.
“While her art is expressive, she also uses it to bring joy to others,” reads her Most Artistic Kid profile. “Layla often creates gifts for other people with flowers, vegetation, paper, and other objects from around the home.”
Now attending third grade at Episcopal Day School in Southern Pines, Layla has loved art since she was a toddler. In recent years, however, creating artwork has also become a meaningful outlet for her.
According to her family, Layla experienced significant trauma between the ages of 5 and 6 while serving as a crime victim in an investigation that required repeated testimony. During more than a year of therapy, her counselor incorporated art therapy into their sessions.
Through that process, Layla used art as a way to express herself and heal. Today, she continues creating because it brings her joy and allows her to share that joy with others.
Some of Layla’s masterpieces.
While drawing with pen and pencil remains her favorite medium, Layla has recently begun experimenting with digital art using a drawing app on her iPad. Her illustrations often combine storytelling with another passion: fashion.
She frequently sketches models wearing bold or unusual outfits, then attempts to recreate those designs in real life.
The contest she is competing in celebrates young artists across the country. Inspired by Ross’ legacy and his television series The Joy of Painting, the competition encourages creativity while raising funds for blood cancer research.
One winner will receive $20,000, appear on a special episode of the show with Nicholas Hankins, and have their artwork displayed at the Minnetrista Museum.
Another young artist will also be selected by Hankins to display their work at the museum.
The nationwide competition also supports Blood Cancer United, which works to cure blood cancers and improve quality of life for patients and their families. The effort honors Ross, who died of lymphoma in 1995.
Supporters can cast one free vote daily for Layla online. Additional votes can be made through donations benefiting the organization.
Photos via Most Artistic Kid.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Written by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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