Governor’s Young Artist Competition

2026

Governor’s Young Artist Competition

Who’s Eligible

All public, private, charter and home-schooled high school students (Grades 9-12) who reside in Arkansas are eligible.

2026 Competition’s Theme:

Our American Story – A View from the Arkansas Lens
Commemorative 250th Celebration of the United States of America

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion proudly announces the 2026 Young Artist Competition theme, “Our American Story – A View from the Arkansas Lens.” Our country has a beautiful story from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the present, as does our state throughout the past 250 years.

We welcome our young Arkansas artists to submit artwork that reflects their interpretation of Our American Story from the perspective of an Arkansan. This perspective can display, but is not limited to, how Arkansas fits into our American Story; how and what events, movements, inventions Arkansans experienced at any point during the past 250 years that helped establish the American life as we know it; milestones of our state or our country as it relates to Arkansas; the exploration of Arkansas’ people throughout our historical eras, our state’s heritage and legends and how they relate to American history – objects, music, nicknames, mottos, emblems, symbols, accolades, landscapes or natural resources (diamonds, hot springs, forests, oil, etc.) that make Arkansas a unique place within our country.

Art submissions should communicate a real message and purpose, as well as evoke emotion and a reflection of the theme explained above. The journey toward this 250th celebration is an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate our nation’s past and consider the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.

Submission Requirements

  • Artwork must be submitted by a high school teacher or representative.
  • Each high school teacher/representative may submit up to 15 pieces of artwork, with an individual limit of only THREE (3) submissions per student. Also, this is a juried show. Entries are NOT guaranteed acceptance.
  • There are NO fees associated with submission.
  • ANY piece created by students at any time during their high school education may be submitted as long as the piece adheres to the 2026 theme. However, reproductions are NOT allowed.
  • Photography entries (8X10 minimum) are limited to only FIVE (5) photos per student. Students are required to include at least two sentences for each art piece explaining why they chose the subject matter and how their art submission incorporates this year’s theme, “Our American Story – A View from the Arkansas Lens.” Entries cannot be successfully submitted online without completing this requirement.

Media Specifications

  • Work must not exceed 40 inches wide by 40 inches high.
  • Minimum size is 11 X 14.
  • Work must be physical, tangible, and available to be displayed for the duration of the exhibition.
  • All winning submissions must be ready to hang for a professional gallery, and all pieces must be framed (contact Cassie Jerry if you have questions about framing, as framing is not necessary on some larger canvas pieces) and have a “hanger” attached to the back. These do not have to be professionally framed and do not have to be matted. However, they must be “gallery ready” and again, have a hanging device attached to the back. No tape with wire or string will be allowed. Pastel and charcoal drawings must also be sprayed with fixative.

For those pieces accepted into the exhibit, please plan to affix a copy of the Student Information Form to the back of each accepted piece prior to delivery. If you have any questions about this, contact Cassie Jerry, [email protected].

Exhibit & Competition Categories:

  • Painting (Wet Media): Works created by applying wet media to a surface (e.g., canvas, wood, or paper). Accepted media include acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, tempera, or water or solvent-based wash.
  • Drawing (Dry Media): Original work created with graphite, charcoal and pastel (soft, hard or oil), Conté crayons, or chalk on a flat surface. This category emphasizes proficiency in realistic shading, line weight, anatomy, and formal composition. Note: It is highly recommended that charcoal and pastel entries be fixed with a spray fixative before submission
  • Illustration: Original work created with alcohol markers, pen and ink, colored pencils or water or solvent-based washes. This category focuses on storytelling and communication conveying a specific narrative, message, or character design, book scene, comic-style— often intended to accompany text (like a book cover or comic). No digital illustrations accepted in this category.
  • 3D Design & Sculpture: Three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining materials. This includes traditional sculpture (carving, modeling), ceramics, glass, metalwork, and fiber arts.
  • Photography: Images captured using a camera. This includes both “straight” photography and images that have undergone digital enhancement, provided the student’s original image capture remains the primary foundation.
  • Digital Art: Original artwork created using digital tools such as tablets or computers (e.g., Procreate, Photoshop). This category includes digital painting, digital illustration, and graphic design.
  • Mixed Media: Works that combine two or more distinct media (e.g., pen and ink over watercolor, or a collage with acrylic paint) on a flat surface.

Exhibit & Competition Evaluation:

Entries will be evaluated by a panel of jurors and based on the following four core pillars. Each
category will be scored to identify:

  • Originality & Personal Voice: Jurors look for work that pushes beyond classroom assignments to showcase the artist’s unique vision.
    • Does the work present a fresh or unique perspective?
    • Is the concept original and not a direct copy of existing copyright images or photographs?
    • Does the artist’s “voice” or personality come through in the subject matter or style?
  • Craftsmanship & Technique: This measures the student’s skill and “pride of workmanship” in their chosen medium.
    • Technical Skill: Is the medium used with a high level of competence (e.g., controlled shading in drawing, proper color mixing in painting)?
    • Neatness: Is the final piece finished with care?
    • Attention to Detail: Does the work show a high level of effort and refined finishing touches?
  • Composition & Design: Evaluation of how well the artist has organized the elements of art within the piece.
    • Does the work demonstrate an understanding of design principles like balance, contrast, and movement?
    • Is there a clear center of interest or a compelling use of space?
  • Theme Interpretation
    This criterion evaluates how effectively the artist has addressed the specific theme of the competition. Jurors are looking for more than a literal representation; they are seeking a creative and thoughtful “translation” of the theme into a visual format.
    • Relevance: How clearly does the artwork align with the stated theme?
    • Creative Depth: Does the artist offer a unique or insightful interpretation of the theme, or does it rely on clichés (e.g., drawing a literal heart for a theme about “Love”)?
    • Clarity of Message: Can the viewer understand the artist’s intent and connection to the theme without needing to read a supporting statement?
    • Visual Storytelling: How effectively does the artist use symbols, colors, and composition to evoke the emotions or stories associated with the theme?

HOW TO SUBMIT ARTWORK

Each artwork submission must be uploaded ONLINE, using the following link:

https://bit.ly/YoungArtistCompetition26

You will use this link for EACH individual piece of artwork submitted. Please do not upload more than 2 photos. PDF or JPEG files Only. Ensure your student’s name is in the file name. Please keep the images of artwork free of identifying information (artist name, etc.) as this information will require cropping of the image.

Entries MUST be UPLOADED no later than 11:59pm on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Other Important Dates

  • Monday, March 16, 2026 – Earliest date students can begin uploading their art submissions.
  • Tuesday, March 31, 2026 11:59 pm – DEADLINE FOR UPLOADED SUBMISSIONS
    Upload to: https://bit.ly/YoungArtistCompetition26
  • April 1-3, 2026 – Teachers/schools will be notified if submissions are selected for exhibition.
  • April 14, 2026 – DEADLINE for selected works (gallery ready) to be delivered to Mansion
    (MUST email Cassie Jerry, [email protected] to schedule delivery). Pieces may also be mailed to the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, Attn: Cassie Jerry, 1800 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72206 but must be received by the April 14 deadline.)
  • April 15, 2026 – The student exhibition at Governor’s Mansion begins.
  • May 1-15, 2026 (Tentative) – Awards Reception/Recognition ceremony at Governor’s Mansion. Date is to be determined. Teachers will be notified when submissions are selected.

For more information or questions about framing, contact:
Cassie Jerry
Events Coordinator, Arkansas Governor’s Mansion
[email protected]

Or

For more information or questions regarding submissions and requirements, contact:
Heather Allmendinger
Secretary, Governor’s Mansion Board of Directors
[email protected]