New Jersey middle school student advances in national art contest, raises funds for blood cancer research
Olivia Fritzsche, a student at Eastern Christian Middle School in Wyckoff, is competing in the national Bob Ross “America’s Most Artistic Kid” contest, and has already reached the quarterfinals.
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A middle schooler from Waldwick is turning her artistic talent into a force for good as she advances in a national competition, while raising money for a cancer charity.
Olivia Fritzsche, a student at Eastern Christian Middle School in Wyckoff, is competing in the national Bob Ross “America’s Most Artistic Kid” contest, and has already reached the quarterfinals. Along the way, she’s raised more than $1,000 for Blood Cancer United, a cause she says is personal to her family.
“It’s kind of special to me because my Nana had cancer twice, and I just really love helping with stuff like that,” Fritzsche said.
Inside her makeshift studio, which is in her family’s dining room, Fritzsche spends her time creating detailed drawings, paintings and crafts that are inspired by everything from mystical creatures to photographed landscapes.
Her imagination plays a major role in her work.
“I draw dragons all the time, and I read lots of books about fantasy animals,” she says.
This isn’t her first time giving back either. For the past two years, she’s been making and selling handmade gnomes to support her church.
Fritzsche says she hopes to one day become an art teacher.
You can vote for Olivia, and donate here: https://artistickid.org/2026/olivia-5bac
