In 2017, the Annual Student Art Contest was started. Please enjoy the archive of past winners here. For 2026, the theme is Where I Come From... Rural Texas. We look forward to all the submissions.

2026 Submission Information:

• Open to all current TREA Members districts. Submission form opens on 11/13.

• Grade Divisions: 3rd - 5th | 6th - 8th | 9th - 12th

• *Prizes: First Place: $500 & gift card | Second Place: $300 & gift card | Third Place: $150 & gift card

• Theme: Where I Come From… Rural Texas

• Scoring will be based on neatness, creativity, theme, and overall impact

• Please contact Kasey Hyde with any questions.

• DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: March 24, 2026

Submissions:
Submit form and upload the artwork file where directed. One form per student. You will only need to create one login to submit entries for all students. For the file upload format: grade_lastname_isd.
Students can submit their own entries. If an art teacher is directing students to submit their own entries, the teacher should contact Kasey Hyde with a list of student names to expect. If the student is not part of an art class, the ISD will be contacted to verify that the student is enrolled there prior to the judging. Students submitting on their own should be aware that they need to be responsive to any emails sent by TREA regarding their entry.

*Special Thanks to Blick Art Materials!
We’re excited to partner with Blick Art Materials, who are generously donating $1,575 in gift cards for both student winners and their teachers in each contest category!
Student Awards:
• 1st Place (3) - $75 Blick Gift Card
• 2nd Place (3) - $50 Blick Gift Card
• 3rd Place (3) - $35 Blick Gift Card

Teacher Awards:
• 1st Place (3) - $150 Blick Gift Card
• 2nd Place (3) - $100 Blick Gift Card
• 3rd Place (3) - $75 Blick Gift Card

• Original design based on the theme: Where I Come From… Rural Texas
• No larger than 11" x 17" should be submitted.
• Any medium may be used, including digital/computer-generated.
• NO AI GENERATED ART.
• A digital version of the student's artwork is required with the form.
• Artwork file should be labeled: grade_lastname_isd

Helpful Hints:

• Strong, simple, and colorful designs will deliver the most visual impact.
• Using only pencil/pen may not be suitable for reproduction on our website, etc.
• Be prepared to send a picture of the student holding their winning artwork for use in the conference program and online.

Submission of the form also assumes parent/guardian permission to use the student’s submission and photo of student with the artwork as needed by TREA. A picture of the winning student with their art piece will be required. Keep this in mind if the artwork is digital. Winners will be announced in late April. No AI generated art will be considered.

Submission of the form acknowledges that winning artwork will become property of TREA and has permission to use the winner's artwork at the TREA Annual Conference, online, and in print.

Congratulations to the talented winners of the 2025 TREA Student Art Contest! We applaud the creativity and dedication of all 276 students who participated this year. Each winner will receive a cash prize and have their exceptional artwork showcased on June 22-25 during the TREA Annual Conference, at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, TX. 
A special thank you to Blick Art Materials for supplying gift certificates for the winning students and their teachers! Read the press release here