2024 Emerging Artists Competition
Arts for Rural Texas (ARTS) recognizes the artistic vision and ingenuity of our community’s youth. The Emerging Artists Competition is a juried youth art exhibit held annually at the ARTS Ross Gallery. The Competition encourages resilience, boosts motivation, nurtures confidence, promotes hard work, cultivates self-discovery, and fosters fine arts skills in youth by showcasing the best of rural Texas’ creativity.
ARTS invites students grades 6th-12th to submit up to two original works of art in the Emerging Artists Competition. There are six categories of work: Drawing, Painting, Photography, Mixed Media, Three-Dimensional (sculpture, jewelry, etc.), and Other (digital, fiber, etc.). Ribbons and $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded.
ARTS extends special thanks to Arne and Mary Le Johnson for underwriting this event.
Competition Rules:
The competition is open to artists in grades 6th-12th. Students must have completed 5th grade and are entering 6th grade to be eligible. Students that have graduated and completed 12th grade are NOT eligible to participate.
Students are allowed to submit up to two original works of art. All work must be original in concept and design and may not be a copy of another artist’s photographs or artwork.
All submissions will be automatically accepted into the exhibition.
All two-dimensional works (paintings, drawings, photography, and digital prints) must be framed and ready to hang with a wire across the back. Unframed work will not be accepted.
If three-dimensional works require support, that support must be provided with the artwork.
Artwork must be delivered with a description of each piece (artist’s name, title of work, and artist’s grade level) attached to the work. All other needed information will be collected from the entry form. Artworks may be marked as Not for Sale (NFS).
Artists will receive 100% commission on works that are for sale. ARTS will not collect any portion of the sale. At the close of the exhibition, ARTS will disburse a check, made out to the artist (student), for the full sale price of the work that has sold. The check will be mailed to the provided mailing address on the entry form within 30 days of the close of the exhibition.
Important Dates & Deadlines:
Friday, July 26th: The Call for Entry deadline will close at 4 p.m. Late entries will not be accepted!
* Friday, July 26th- Monday, July 29th: Artwork can be delivered to the ARTS Ross Gallery from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, or Monday (closed Sunday). All work must be received by Monday at 4 p.m. Again, late entries will not be accepted!
Saturday, August 3rd: The artists’ reception and exhibition opening will be held from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. in the ARTS Ross Gallery to honor all the participants. Winners will be announced at the opening, receiving ribbons and cash prizes!
August 3rd- 31st: Exhibition dates. The ARTS Ross Gallery will be open to the public Tuesday- Saturday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
* Tuesday, September 3rd- Saturday, September 7th: Unsold artwork can be picked up from the ARTS Ross Gallery from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. All work must be picked up by 4 p.m. on Saturday. Any unclaimed artwork will become the property of Arts for Rural Texas.
* If you cannot meet the prescribed drop off or pick up times, please email artists@artsforruraltexas.org or call (979) 378-2113 to make special arrangements.
2024 Call for Entry Now Open!
Please click the button below to enter.
If you have any questions, please email artists@artsforruraltexas.org or call (979) 378-2113.