June 5, 2026 — The Collision Repair Education Foundation has announced the return of its Art Meets Automotive Competition for 2026, marking the first time the student-focused program will have an official sponsor.
Fuji Spray has signed on as the inaugural sponsor of the competition and will provide equipment and support to expand opportunities for collision repair students and instructors.
Now in its fifth year, the competition showcases the creativity and technical skills of collision repair students through projects involving painting, sculpting, welding, and mixed-media techniques.
“Art Meets Automotive is about more than competition. It’s about creating opportunities for students to explore their craft and gain recognition for their skills,” said Tiffany Bulak, program and events manager with the Collision Repair Education Foundation.
As part of the sponsorship, Fuji Spray will donate 50 professional spray guns. Ten will be distributed to schools participating in the competition, while the remaining units will support additional educational initiatives during the SEMA Show.
Fuji Spray president David Sherman said the company was motivated by the foundation’s efforts to support collision repair programs and help students transition into industry careers.
“We’ve seen firsthand the difference CREF’s efforts make for schools, instructors, and students across the country,” Sherman said.
The company said its total support for collision repair education initiatives is expected to reach approximately $100,000 by the end of the year through equipment donations, scholarship participation, and student-support programs.
Fuji Spray also operates an Education Support Program that provides students and recent graduates with access to professional-grade spray equipment at reduced cost as they enter the workforce.
The company said its newly introduced VALOR H50 Mini spray gun is particularly well-suited to the competition because of its focus on precision and detail work.
The 2026 Art Meets Automotive Competition will include separate categories for students and instructors.
Participants must first submit a concept drawing through the competition’s registration portal before completing and shipping their finished projects to CREF. Entries must be received by Oct. 1, 2026.
Winners will be recognized during the CREF Instructor Breakfast at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The foundation said the competition is intended to highlight the artistic and technical abilities of future collision repair professionals while increasing awareness of career opportunities within the industry.
Industry members interested in supporting collision repair education programs can contribute through monetary donations, equipment donations, or other forms of assistance to participating schools.
For more information, go to info@ed-foundation.org.