Celebrating the 2026 International Compost Awareness Week Art Contest Winners

The Compost Research & Education Foundation (CREF) is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) Poster and Bookmark Contest. Each year, this global contest invites artists of all ages to interpret composting through creativity, imagination, and personal expression—highlighting its vital role in building healthy soils, resilient communities, and a more sustainable future.

This year’s theme, “Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us,” inspired an incredible range of submissions from around the world. From students to emerging artists, participants captured the transformative power of compost and its connection to life on land, renewal, and stewardship of the earth.

After thoughtful review, we are honored to celebrate the following winners whose artwork will help represent ICAW 2026 across educational and outreach materials worldwide.

2026 ICAW Poster Contest Winner

Endurance Oye – Ogun State, Nigeria

Endurance Oye’s winning poster reflects a deep connection to nature and the quiet intelligence of natural systems. Inspired by how the earth transforms what we discard into nourishment and new life, his work explores themes of resilience, transformation, and gratitude for the land that sustains us.

Living among plants and green spaces, Endurance views composting not simply as an environmental practice, but as a meaningful relationship with the earth—one that begins beneath the surface and returns value back to the soil and the people who depend on it. His artwork beautifully embodies the spirit of ICAW by reminding us that compost feeds the soil, and in turn, feeds us all.

Endurance’s poster will serve as the official visual for ICAW 2026 and will be featured in promotional materials, events, and outreach efforts throughout the week.

2026 ICAW Bookmark Contest Winner

Victoria Osadchuk – Summit Trail Middle School, Washington State

Victoria Osadchuk’s bookmark design reflects her passion for giving back to her community—much like compost returns nutrients to the soil. Outside of school, Victoria enjoys volunteering, spending time outdoors hiking and traveling with her family, and finding creative inspiration in nature.

On rainy Washington days, she enjoys reading, animating, and participating in creative contests, always eager to learn something new. Her artwork is a thoughtful reminder that small actions can create lasting impact, and that everyone, no matter their age, can play a role in caring for the planet.

Victoria’s bookmark will be distributed during ICAW 2026 and shared as part of CREF’s educational materials.

Thank You to Our Global Community

We extend our sincere thanks to every artist who entered the 2026 ICAW Art Contest, as well as the educators, families, volunteers, and supporters who helped spread the word. The creativity and passion reflected in this year’s submissions demonstrate the growing global commitment to composting and environmental stewardship.

Congratulations again to Endurance and Victoria for their outstanding work, and thank you to our entire community for helping make International Compost Awareness Week a celebration of art, science, and sustainability.