National Art Day live broadcast graphic featuring Diane Strand, Dr. Ken Rochon Jr., and Dr. Celeste Payne, Sunday, October 25, 3 to 6 PM EST on The Smile Channel

Celebrate Creativity With Us on National Art Day

October 23, 2026•3 min read


Here's a question worth sitting with: when was the last time you made something just for the joy of it? A doodle in the margins, a song in the car, a quick video for someone you love? If it's been a while, consider this your invitation. National Art Day is almost here, and the JDS Creative Academy family is celebrating in a big way, live and online, with a seat saved just for you.

Mark Your Calendar

On Sunday, October 25, from 3 to 6 PM Eastern (noon to 3 PM for our West Coast friends), Diane Strand, founder of the nonprofit JDS Creative Academy, joins fellow hosts Dr. Ken Rochon Jr. (better known as Dr. Smiley), founder and CEO of Perfect Publishing, and Dr. Celeste Payne, founder of the nonprofit Arts Empowered, Inc., for a live National Art Day celebration presented by The Smile Dr. Smiley Channel and Perfect Publishing. Three passionate advocates for the arts, three full hours, and one shared message: art inspires change.

What's Planned

Painters, photographers, sculptors, and creatives from around the nation and the world will take the virtual stage to share their original artwork and the story behind it. Each featured artist gets five minutes to show their piece and talk about its purpose, which means three hours packed with color, heart, and inspiration. Every piece shared is original, positive, and family-friendly, so this is a celebration the whole household can enjoy together. Think of it as a gallery walk, a storytelling night, and a community gathering all rolled into one.

Why Art Deserves Its Own Day

Art is so much more than a pretty picture on the wall. It's how we make sense of the world, how a shy kid finds her voice on stage, and how a small business owner tells a story that makes people stop scrolling. Every time we create, we practice problem-solving, empathy, courage, and collaboration- the same skills every employer, family, and neighborhood needs. For more than thirty years in television and media, Diane has watched creativity open doors, and at JDS Creative Academy, our team sees it every day as students of all abilities pick up a camera, edit a story, and discover a confidence they didn't know they had.

Who Can Participate

The short answer? Everyone. Viewers of all ages are welcome to tune in, from art lovers and students to parents, educators, and anyone who hasn't picked up a crayon in years. And if you're an artist with an original painting, drawing, photograph, or sculpture that lifts spirits or bridges cultures, there's a spot on the stage for you. Applying to share your art is completely free, and artists who want to go even further can have their work featured in the World Art Book, a published collection of original art from creatives around the globe. At JDS Creative Academy, one belief guides everything: creativity belongs to everyone.

How to Attend

Joining is easy. Visit app.perfectpublishing.com/artday to register to share your art or learn more, then tune in when the event streams live on YouTube through The Smile Channel. Featured artists will receive their participation details by email, and any questions can go to [email protected]. Then grab a cozy seat, invite a friend, and come ready to be inspired. Want to celebrate a little extra? Make something that day and share it using #NationalArtDay and #JDSCreativeAcademy.

National Art Day live broadcast graphic featuring Diane Strand, Dr. Ken Rochon Jr., and Dr. Celeste Payne, Sunday, October 25, 3 to 6 PM EST on The Smile Channel


Let's Create Something Together

The world gets a little brighter every time someone chooses to create instead of staying quiet. Let's celebrate that together this National Art Day. See you there!

With creativity and gratitude,

The JDS Creative Academy Family

Diane Strand

Diane Strand

Diane Strand is a multi-award-winning executive producer, TV Show Host and Founder of nonprofit JDS Creative Academy, where she spearheads innovative job training programs in video production, digital media, and the arts. With over three decades of experience in television and media, including credits with renowned networks like ABC, NBC, and FOX, Diane is committed to fostering creativity, inclusion, and professional growth for individuals of all abilities. Her work in the nonprofit sector has made her a recognized leader in arts education and workforce development, Launching careers for both mainstream and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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