Theme: Sounds of the Season
Create an original artwork inspired by musical genre, favorite holiday sounds, instruments or musical traditions.
Submission Deadline: November 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Student Art Contest Guidelines
Eligibility
- The contest is open to all K–12 students enrolled in school systems within the Service Center area.
- Each student may submit one entry.
Theme and Content
- Artwork must reflect the official contest theme.
- Submissions must be appropriate for all audiences.
- Artwork containing copyrighted characters or content will not be considered for judging.
Artwork Specifications
- Accepted size: 8.5” x 11” (Letter size), in either landscape or portrait orientation.
- Accepted mediums: drawing pencil, chalk, pastels, watercolor, oils, crayon, and computer graphics.
- Use of AI tools:
- Limited use of AI-assisted design features (such as filters or effects in digital illustration software) is permitted if the student is the primary creator.
- Fully AI-generated images—where the student does not control the creative process—are not eligible.
Submission Requirements
- All artwork must be submitted electronically via the official submission form.
In-person submissions will not be accepted.
- Each entry must include a high-resolution file of the final artwork in .png, .jpeg, or .pdf format (scanned or photographed clearly).
Rights and Usage
- By submitting an entry, students and their parents/guardians grant Region One ESC the right to use, reproduce, and publish the artwork in print and digital formats.
- Artwork may be used for the annual holiday greeting card and for promotional, educational, or marketing purposes.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated based on the following:
- Creativity & Originality – The uniqueness and imagination demonstrated in the artwork.
- Relevance to Theme – How well the artwork reflects the contest theme (if applicable).
- Artistic Skill – The level of craftsmanship and technique appropriate to the student’s grade level.
- Overall Impression – The visual impact and effectiveness of the final piece.
Awards & Prizes
Contest winners will be announced during the week of November 30, 2026.
- The top three artwork pieces in each division will receive special recognition.
- The overall winning artwork in each division will be used to illustrate the annual Region One ESC Holiday Greeting Card, distributed statewide.
- Each overall winner in each division will receive
- A certificate of merit
- Art supply prize pack
- Their artwork featured on a set of holiday greeting cards
For more information contact, Leslie Howland at 956-984-6009 or email lhowland@esc1.net