Alice Klingman, a 7th-grade student at the Baccalaureate School for Global Education and lifelong Astoria resident, has been selected as a finalist in the 2026 American Kennel Club (AKC) Meet the Breeds Art Contest, a New York City wide competition recognizing young artists in grades K–12 hosted by AKC Public Education. The contest theme, “400 Years of Dogs in New York City,” invites students to submit original artwork inspired by the rich history and diversity of dogs in New York City. Alice’s finalist artwork features Mets Dog, Sushi, a well-known pit bull who greets fans outside Citi Field and has become a familiar presence to many New Yorkers.
“I wanted to draw a dog that people in New York recognize while paying tribute to my hometown, Queens. I also know that people have different feelings about her presence outside the ballpark, which made her an interesting subject for my artwork.” Alice is a lifelong fan of the New York Mets, having attended her first game in 2019. Seeing Sushi outside the stadium over the years helped inspire her piece. The art was judged based on neatness, creativity, relevance to the theme, and the accurate portrayal of dogs.
In addition to her interest in art, Alice is an active community volunteer. She regularly volunteers with her CYO basketball league and with the local youth organization Projekt NYC, where she learned about the art contest. Alice’s artwork will be displayed at The American Kennel Club’s Meet the Breeds Event, taking place February 7–8, 2026, at the Javits Center. “I was really excited when I found out my artwork was chosen,” Alice said. “It feels special knowing people will see it at such a big event, and I was hoping to be selected so I could attend the Meet the Breeds event and see all the different dogs.”
Hosted by the American Kennel Club, the AKC Meet the Breeds is a large-scale, family-friendly event that introduces the public to hundreds of dog breeds and the people who care for them. The event features educational exhibits, interactive experiences, and programming focused on responsible dog ownership and canine history.
Ted Psahos, Executive Director of Projekt NYC, praised Alice’s selection as a finalist. “Alice’s artwork is a wonderful example of how young people use creativity to tell local stories,” said Ted Psahos. “We’re incredibly proud to see her work included in such a respected citywide exhibition.”
The AKC Meet the Breeds Art Contest encourages creativity while helping students explore the important role dogs play in communities across New York City. Finalist artwork will be on display at the AKC Public Education Booth throughout the event.
Tickets for AKC Meet the Breeds are available to the public at: https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-meet-the-breeds/
Alice Klingman is an Astoria native and student at the Baccalaureate School for Global Education.
“I wanted to draw a dog that people in New York recognize while paying tribute to my hometown, Queens.”
Photos by Projekt NYC