Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 2026) –
The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is proud to announce the return of its 5th Annual Art Meets Automotive Competition for 2026, introducing an exciting opportunity for both students and instructors to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. This year’s event also signals a significant milestone in industry support as it is the first time the competition will feature an official sponsor, with Fuji Spray stepping in to help expand the program’s reach and impact while committing significant resources to elevate the experience.
Designed to celebrate the creativity and technical skill of collision repair students, Art Meets Automotive has grown into a national platform where emerging talent can showcase their abilities. With Fuji Spray’s support, CREF is enhancing that mission by bringing additional resources, professional-grade equipment and increased visibility to participating schools and educators.
“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,” explains CREF Program and Events Manager Tiffany Bulak. “With Fuji Spray’s support, we’re able to expand that impact and better serve both students and instructors across the country.”
Fuji Spray has been a committed CREF supporter for several years, and seeing the organization’s impact up close has only strengthened its commitment to the next generation. “We’ve seen firsthand the incredible difference that CREF’s efforts make on schools, instructors and students across the country,” said Fuji Spray President David Sherman. “Attending the CREF Breakfast at the SEMA Show each year has been especially meaningful; hearing those stories and seeing the level of organization and execution behind the scenes is truly inspiring. CREF understands the challenges collision programs face and works tirelessly to maximize support where it’s needed most. We’ve met so many talented young technicians who are eager to learn and grow, and it’s clear how much industry involvement matters in their journey. It’s imperative that we show students how much this industry values them and that there are real, promising career paths ahead. Supporting CREF has been one of the most impactful ways for us to invest in the future of auto refinishing.”
Exploring the 2025 Art Meets Automotive Competition at the SEMA Show sparked a new vision for how Fuji Spray could deepen its involvement. “We were struck by the level of precision, control and creativity on display,” notes Sherman. “It’s a strong reflection of where the industry is headed – where technical skill and artistry go hand in hand.”
As part of its sponsorship, Fuji Spray Auto is donating 50 professional spray guns to support both the competition and broader educational initiatives. Ten of these guns will be distributed directly to schools participating in Art Meets Automotive, while the remaining 40 will be distributed at SEMA, extending the impact far beyond the contest itself.
This investment reflects Fuji Spray’s core belief: students should train in environments that mirror what they’ll encounter in the field, a philosophy that aligns closely with CREF’s mission to support collision repair education programs nationwide through funding, equipment and industry connections. “Students learn best when they’re using equipment that reflects real-world conditions,” Sherman believes. “When tools are outdated or inconsistent, it can limit both skill development and confidence. By helping provide modern, high-quality equipment, we’re enabling students to focus on technique, consistency and finish quality – and ultimately enter the workforce job-ready.”
For Fuji Spray, Art Meets Automotive represents more than a sponsorship opportunity; it’s a natural extension of how the company views the craft of refinishing. In addition to donating tens of thousands of dollars in equipment and support, with total contributions expected to reach $100,000 by the end of this year, Fuji Spray’s investment in the industry’s future extends beyond monetary donations. The company also participates in CREF’s scholarship selection process and has launched an Education Support Program aimed at easing the transition from classroom to career. Through this initiative, students and recent graduates can access professional-grade spray guns at significantly reduced costs — addressing one of the most common barriers new technicians face when entering the workforce.
“We know buying the right tools is a meaningful investment, particularly coming out of school,” Sherman explains. “We are trying to assist by giving students the savings that historically were reserved for instructors. We want to show these young people that the industry recognizes their importance and that they have promising careers ahead.”
With the introduction the VALOR H50 Mini spray gun, Fuji Spray saw a clear opportunity to support Art Meets Automotive in a way that enhances both creativity and technical execution. “Because it’s designed specifically for comfort, precision and detail work, it is ideal for this type of application and struck us as a natural fit,” Sherman shares. “We’re proud to expand our support of CREF by sponsoring the 2026 competition and putting advanced tools directly into students’ hands.”
The 2026 Art Meets Automotive Competition features two distinct tracks – one for students and one for instructors – offering both groups the opportunity to showcase their creativity and technical skills. Participants are invited to design and create an original project using painting, sculpting, welding or a combination of techniques. From intricate paintwork to mixed-media creations, the competition celebrates the full spectrum of talent within the collision repair field and offers participants not only the chance to win prizes, but also to gain national recognition among industry leaders.
To enter, participants must first create an initial drawing of their proposed project and submit it through the official registration portal for either the student or instructor track. From there, they will bring their concept to life by completing the final piece and shipping it to CREF. All submissions must be shipped by October 1, 2026, for the opportunity to earn national recognition at the CREF Instructor Breakfast during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where winners will be celebrated in front of industry leaders.
Backed by Fuji Spray’s first-ever sponsorship and expanded support, this year’s competition promises to be the most impactful yet – blending artistry, innovation and opportunity in a way that reflects the evolving future of collision repair. “We’re especially looking forward to attending the CREF Breakfast at SEMA in November and presenting to the winner,” Sherman expresses, noting, “This is about more than a competition. It’s about building the skills, confidence and creativity that will define the next generation of our industry.”
Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist high school and college collision repair training programs can Contact Us to learn about the many ways to get involved. Monetary donations can be made online, or sign up for The Donation Exchange to easily provide in-kind resources that collision repair schools and students desperately need.
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About CREF
The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit us online at: www.CollisionRepairEducationFoundation.org. Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.
About Fuji Spray
Founded in 1986, Fuji Spray is a North American-based industry leader in spray finishing. The company designs and manufactures award-winning compressor spray guns and HVLP turbine systems trusted by professionals across automotive, aviation, marine, and industrial applications. Fuji Spray is committed to innovation, precision, and customer satisfaction, helping finishers achieve professional results with confidence.