Long Island artist Ian James Roche reaches quarterfinals in Johnny Depp competition

Self-taught Commack artist Ian James Roche has advanced to the quarterfinals of Johnny Depp’s 2026 People’s Artist Competition, with public voting open through July 9. Roche is leading his group as the contest offers a $25,000 prize, an Artforum feature and a chance to show work at Art of Elysium’s Salon in Los Angeles. Why it matters: - Ian James Roche’s advance gives the Long Island artist a shot at a $25,000 prize and a larger national audience. - The competition supports Art of Elysium, which uses art programs to help people facing illness, isolation and emotional hardship. - Roche is currently in first place in his group, so public voting could determine whether he moves closer to the final round. What happened: - Roche was named a quarterfinalist in the 2026 People’s Artist Competition, a campaign presented by Johnny Depp and powered by Colossal. - Public voting is open through July 9. - Roche works from Commack, Suffolk County, and has built his practice as a self-taught artist. - The competition’s winner receives a $25,000 prize, a featured appearance in Artforum Magazine and the opportunity to display work at Art of Elysium’s Salon in Los Angeles. The details: - Roche creates large-format pastel paintings on sheetrock. - He began working fully in art at age 35. - A 2014 visit to Dia in Beacon, New York, helped launch his artistic path and led to his debut work, Birth of a Superhero. - Roche works without preliminary sketches or models and says he has never abandoned a piece. - His process is driven by instinct, heart and imagination. - His father used pastel artwork in art therapy, which influenced Roche’s choice of medium. - Roche has exhibited and sold work throughout New York and Connecticut, with shows in 2024 and 2025. - His work has appeared in Long Island media, including a cover feature in Dan’s Papers. - Roche studied Culinary Arts at The New York Restaurant School and earned an Interdisciplinary B.S. from the New York Institute of Technology. - Roche maintains a studio in Commack. - His art has also been featured in Beyond Words Magazine, Artist Talk Magazine, Art Seen Magazine and Elevate Magazine. - Roche has served as cover artist for Scene Life Magazine and Dan’s Papers. - His work is available at Ian James Roche’s website . - His Instagram account is here . Between the lines: - The competition is as much about fundraising and visibility as it is about the prize itself. - Roche’s story leans on a personal healing narrative, which may help voters connect his art to a broader emotional message. - His first-place standing in the group suggests the contest is competitive but still winnable if supporters keep voting. What’s next: - Roche needs continued public voting before July 9 to stay on track in the competition. - If he wins, Roche would gain a cash prize, a high-profile magazine feature and a Los Angeles exhibition opportunity. - The vote count will determine whether his Long Island following can carry him into the final stage.