LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Public voting is now open for the Third Annual Sphere XO Student Design Challenge, where student artwork will compete to be displayed on the Exosphere.
Sphere Entertainment Co. announced Wednesday that fans worldwide can vote daily through Feb. 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT at thesphere.com/vote. This year’s theme celebrates Pi Day, with winning art set to debut on the Exosphere on March 11.
The challenge is a collaboration between the Sphere, Clark County School District and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. More than 100,000 local students had the opportunity to submit work for display on what Sphere calls the world’s largest LED screen.
Eight student artists ranging from elementary school through college will be selected through a combination of public voting and artist judging. Four winners will be chosen by public vote and four by a panel of artists including UON Visuals, a recent Exosphere artist.
“We are proud to highlight the incredible creativity of student artists from the Clark County School District and UNLV and to continue inspiring the next generation of STEAM innovators,” said Rich Constable, executive vice president and global head of government affairs and social impact at Sphere.
Constable said the Pi Day theme focuses on how art and science intersect, similar to all aspects of Sphere.
Clark County School District Superintendent Jhone Ebert said the challenge demonstrates how the community comes together with Sphere to celebrate creativity, innovation and learning.
“Seeing our students’ artwork displayed on the Exosphere not only honors their incredible talent, it shows what’s possible when education and opportunity meet,” Ebert said.
Winning high school and UNLV students will receive $10,000 educational scholarships from Sphere. Elementary and middle school winners will earn $10,000 donations for their school’s art programs, plus tickets for their entire school to attend The Wizard of Oz at Sphere.
Elementary and middle school students in grades 4-8 were provided with 2D drawings of Sphere to illustrate or paint. School administrators selected 294 students to represent the district, with 60 final submissions chosen for digitization and voting.
High school and college participants received VR headsets and custom design tools developed by Sphere’s team. About 60 students from Clark County high schools and UNLV’s colleges of Fine Arts, Architecture, Film, Engineering and Mathematics were selected based on demonstrated passion for art and digital design.
These students received tutorials from Sphere designers and mentorship from last year’s winners on creating art for the Exosphere’s LED canvas.
Last year’s Earth Day-themed challenge drew nearly 240,000 votes worldwide and crowned eight winners from fifth grade through college. More than 4,500 students and faculty from winning schools attended The Wizard of Oz at Sphere on Jan. 22.
Antonella Sanchez, a middle school winner from last year’s challenge, said she still can’t get over having her art displayed on the Exosphere.
“I know what that moment feels like, and I’m so excited to cast my vote in support of this year’s students who are hoping to bring their visions to life,” Sanchez said.
Public voting allows one vote per day for each of the four student groups, with social media sharing options available to encourage broader participation.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
