The Norway Elementary School third grader is now among the top 64 out of more than 40,000 emerging young artists who began the competition about seven weeks ago and has consistently held onto the top spot as public voting continues to support his progress.

“Odin can’t believe he has made it this far — he is over-the-moon excited,” said his mother, Alaina Gendron. “He can’t believe all the love and support he has received from everyone, including strangers.”

To help Plourde continue his journey in becoming “America’s Most Artistic Kid,” go to the competition Facebook link at https://artistickid.org/2026/odin-4664.

Voting for the semifinals will end Thursday.

One of Odin Plourde’s favorite artworks, a portrait of a dog. (Contributed photo)

The public receives one free vote each day. Additional votes are $1 each as a contribution to Blood Cancer United, formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, for blood cancer research, in honor of the painter who believed anyone could be an artist. The former host of the PBS series “The Joy of Painting,” which ran from Jan. 11, 1983, to May 17, 1994, died from complications related to lymphoma in 1995.

“Each donation is also going to a really good cause,” Gendron said.

Gendron noted if Odin finishes first in his group of eight this week, he will advance to the finals that will run from April 17-23.

“There’s only two more rounds of voting,” Gendron said. “We can’t thank everyone enough for their support — it’s so appreciated.”

The winner of the inaugural competition will be announced in early May. In addition to receiving a grand prize of $20,000, the winner will be flown to Florida to appear on an episode of “The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins” and have his or her artwork displayed in the Bob Ross exhibit at the Minnetrista Museum in Muncie, Ind.

Gendron will continue to keep the public updated on Odin’s progress on her Facebook page.

——

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.