2026 Emerging Artists Competition

Entry Deadline: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM

PLEASE READ BEFORE ENTERING!

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 one work of art. Artwork must be original in concept and design. Work may not be copied from another artist’s photographs or artwork and may not reproduce stock images or AI-generated art. Art created from kits, templates, or patterns not originally designed by the artist is not permitted.

  • All entries will be automatically accepted into the exhibition.

  • Artwork will be accepted in the following categories: painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, three-dimensional (sculpture, jewelry, etc.), and other (digital prints, fiber, etc.).

  • All two-dimensional works (paintings, drawings, photography, and digital prints) must be framed and ready to hang with a wire or saw tooth hanger across the back. Gallery-wrapped canvases are acceptable unframed, provided the edges are neatly painted as an extension of the artwork or finished in a solid color. All other unframed work will not be accepted.

  • If three-dimensional works require special support, that support must be provided with the artwork. ARTS has pedestals available for display.

  • Artwork must be delivered with a description of each piece (artist’s name and grade level) attached to the back of the work. All other needed information will be collected from the online 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, for the full sale price of the work that has sold. The check will be mailed to the mailing address provided on the entry form within five days of the close of the exhibition.

  • Artwork must remain on display for the entirety of the exhibition and may not be picked up before August 29.

Important Dates & Dealines:

  • Wednesday, July 22: The call for entry will close at 4 PM. Late entries will not be accepted!

  • *Wednesday, July 22- Saturday, July 25: Artwork can be delivered to the ARTS Ross Gallery (114 North Live Oak Street, Fayetteville, TX) from 9 AM – 5 PM Wednesday – Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM – 4 PM. All work must be received by Saturday at 4 PM. Again, late entries will not be accepted!

  • Saturday, August 1: The artists’ reception and exhibition opening will be held from 1 – 3 PM in the ARTS Ross Gallery. Winners will be announced during the event and will receive ribbons and cash prizes. Awards for grades 6 - 8 will be presented at 1:30 PM, and grades 9 - 12 at 2 PM.

  • August 1 – 29: Exhibition dates. The ARTS Ross Gallery will be open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 AM – 5 PM and Saturday from 10 AM – 4 PM.

  • *August 31- September 5: Unsold artwork can be picked up from the ARTS Ross Gallery from 9 AM – 5 PM Monday – Friday, and Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM. All work must be picked up by 4 PM on Saturday. Any unclaimed artwork will become the property of Arts for Rural Texas. Please note that ARTS is closed on Sundays.

  • *If you are unable to meet the prescribed delivery or pick up date(s), please email artists@artsforruraltexas.org or call (979) 378-2113 to make special arrangements.

Image Requirements:

Please upload a clear image of the artwork to the entry form. Images must be high resolution, taken in good lighting, and shot straight to avoid distortion.

  • If applicable, two-dimensional works should be photographed before being framed under glass to avoid glares.

  • Three-dimensional works should be photographed against a solid background.

See example below:

For questions, please email Allyson Hoffmann at artists@artsforruraltexas.org or call (979) 378-2113.

Emerging Artists Entry Form