A London artist is $100,000 richer after taking home the top award in a national art competition aimed at supporting Canadian creators. Anna Wilson, of London, Ont., received the Panel’s Choice Award and its $100,000 prize at ART COMP 2026 for her piece Found. The independent, not-for-profit competition awarded a total of $200,000 to four artists this year. Wilson’s winning work, an intricate fineliner drawing, took more than three years and over 500 hours to complete. According to ART COMP, Found explores the intersection of imagined and real spaces, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity. The award was selected by an independent jury from 100 finalist works displayed as part of the competition’s annual exhibition. ART COMP co-founder Martha Leach said the organization was created to provide artists with meaningful financial support and opportunities for exposure, regardless of their background, training or location. The organization says the $100,000 prize will give Wilson the time, resources and freedom to pursue ambitious new creative projects. Now in its fifth year, ART COMP says it is built on the belief that exceptional art can come from anyone, anywhere, and aims to help artists turn creative potential into lasting opportunities.
