Lottie Schmutz of Wyoming took first place for ages 10-13 in the FAI International Young Artist Contest, while Lalitha Kuchipudi of Virginia took first place, ages 14-17.
They are two of the nine artists who placed nationally through the coordinated efforts of the National Association of State Aviation Officials Center for Aviation Research & Education and the National Aeronautic Association (NAA).
The 2025 theme “Women with Wings” encouraged students to create artwork “inspired by the daring women who have defied society’s expectations, taking to the air and proving that the sky is a place for everyone,” according to NASAO officials.
The FAI announced the 2025 International Young Artist Contest winners earlier this month, and participating countries included Bulgaria, China, France, India, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Serbia, and the USA.
The international art contest, presented by the FAI, is held annually with a theme that aims to inspire interest in aviation among youth by providing them with a space to express their ideas through art. The NAA is the National Aero Club member of the FAI and delegates authority to NASAO, who oversees the event in partnership with the NAA. The contest has introduced air sports to children nationally for decades and continues to inspire the next generation of aviation enthusiasts and athletes, according to NASAO officials.
The contest opens for submissions after the FAI announces the theme during the summer. Delegated state authorities first consider artwork, with the winning entries forwarded to Washington, D.C., for national judging.
The NAA and NASAO received more than 140 art pieces this year from nearly half of the country’s states and territories.
View the 2025 U.S. winners and entries here.
View the 2025 international winning entries here.
For more information: NASAO.org
