Today, SEGA announced further celebrations in store for Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th birthday, this time they're teaming up with iam8bit for a special art exhibit and fan art showcase.
Taking place during the PAX West weekend in Seattle and later in September in Los Angeles, these special exhibitions showcase original works from more than 30 renowned artists, each reimagining iconic moments, characters, worlds, and memories from across Sonic's rich history, along with historical artwork from SEGA’s archives. The gallery will also house fan art submissions from the community that can be submitted starting today!
- Seattle Art Exhibit: 9/4/26 - 9/6/26 from 11:00am to 7:00pm PT (PAX West Weekend)
- 210 Gallery
- 301 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
- LA Art Exhibit: 9/26/26 - 9/27/26 from 11:00am to 7:00pm PT
- ARK/8
- 115 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Additionally, SEGA and iam8bit are excited to announce The Sonic Fan Art Showcase. For 35 years, Sonic has inspired generations through unforgettable worlds, iconic moments, and stories that continue to live on through the fans. Now, we’re inviting the community to help build a fan-built visual compilation of the Sonic Universe. Submissions are open today, and artists and fans around the world are invited to reimagine and bring to life iconic moments from across the Sonic universe.
Selected artists will earn a place in the global celebration of Sonic’s origins and evolution, showcasing how Sonic’s story and world have raced across generations, borders and mediums. Standout submissions will be selected for a “best of” visual showcase on SEGA’s official social media channels and website, and a select few will be featured at the 35 Years of Speed: The Sonic Art Exhibits. More details about submissions can be found below my signature.
Art submissions must be made between July 8, 2026 at 9:00am PT and August 3, 2026 at 8:59am PT. You can view the official rules document here. All regions are eligible to submit, and they're looking for submissions that meet the following criteria:
- Theme Adherence (25%)
- Creativity & Originality (25%)
- Technique & Execution (25%)
- Visual & Emotional Impact (25%)
If you submit something for the contest, we'd love to see it! For more on all things Sonic, stay tuned to GamingTrend.
