On March 5, 2026, a delightful ceremony took place at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, where Polk County Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder honored a talented young artist from Bartow Elementary Academy. Isaiah Jackson was awarded the Kids Tag Art “Tax Collector’s Choice” Award for his impressive artwork, which features a watchful brown dog sitting next to his doghouse against a vibrant blue background. Tedder expressed his joy, stating that Isaiah’s piece brings a smile to his face and he looks forward to seeing it on the road next year.
The Kids Tag Art program has been inspiring young artists for over two decades, encouraging fifth graders to design their own specialty license plates. The initiative not only promotes creativity but also raises funds to support art education in local elementary schools. Since its inception, the program has generated more than $720,000 for elementary art teachers, with Polk County and participating Florida counties collectively raising nearly $3 million!
Supporting Young Artists
The Kids Tag Art program is more than just a contest; it’s a school fundraising initiative in Polk County that provides additional resources for art programs. It helps students learn the practical application of art by allowing them to create designs inspired by over 170 specialty license plates in Florida, which support various charitable causes across the state. This year, the online sales portal for Kids Tag Art opened on March 3, 2026, allowing supporters to purchase the creative works of fifth graders from both the current and previous school years at KidsTagArt.com.
Each year, thousands of unique designs emerge from this program, contributing significantly to funding art materials for local schools. Joe Tedder, CFC Tax Collector of Polk County, emphasizes the importance of partnerships and sponsorships that make this incredible program possible. The impact on the community and art education is profound, helping to nurture the next generation of creative minds.
Celebrating Creativity and Community
The Kids Tag Art program is a staple in the curriculum of most elementary schools in Polk County, showcasing the creativity of young students while also addressing the critical need for funding in arts education. With two special performance awards given from each participating school, alongside various sponsorship awards, the program continues to celebrate the achievements of its young artists.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that initiatives like Kids Tag Art play a crucial role in supporting art education and encouraging creativity among children. It’s a win-win situation—students get to express themselves artistically, and schools benefit from essential funding that helps enhance their art programs.
For more information about the Kids Tag Art program, including how to support it and view the amazing artwork created by students, visit the official site at KidsTagArt.com.