American Heroes Student Art Contest

Join With Students From Every State In The Union

Eligibility: Any student in grades 3–12 who is a legal resident of any of the 50 states or 6 U.S. territories is eligible to enter.

Submission Requirements: Participating students should create and submit an original, handmade two-dimensional artwork and a 200-word artist statement (100 words for elementary students). Use the steps outlined in the section below.

Submission Categories: Upper Elementary School Students (Grades 3-5); Middle School Students (Grades 6-8); High School Students (Grades 9-12)

Judging Criteria: A panel of artists and educators will evaluate submissions based on age-level artistic excellence and technical skill, creativity and innovation, relevance to the submission requirements, and clarity and meaning of the artist statement.

Awards: Up to 168 first-place awardees (up to 1 student from each age group category representing 56 each state and territory) and their designated parent/guardian will receive a travel and lodging allowance to travel to Washington, D.C., July 7-9, 2026, to attend a Student Art Exhibition and Award Ceremony at the Great American State Fair, recognizing state, regional, and overall winners. Award recipients will be notified in early June 2026.