Mon, Jun 29
|Arts Council of Carteret County
ACCC America 250 Student Art Contest
The Arts Council of Carteret County is asking students : What does "We the People" mean to you. Show us with your art entered in a special contest open to all K-12 students in the areas of stories, poetry and 2D/3D art.
Time & Location
Jun 29, 2026, 11:00 AM – Jul 11, 2026, 5:00 PM
Arts Council of Carteret County, 1702 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
About the event
Arts Council of Carteret County Sponsors an America 250 Student Art Contest
The ACCC is proud to join communities across America in celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation. We are excited to announce a unique opportunity for students of Carteret County to participate in a youth art competition. The history of our nation is rich in the beauty of the people whose talents brought life to the arts. Let’s celebrate our heritage.
This competition will be open to all K-12 students in the areas of stories, poetry and art.
STUDENT PROMPT:
What does “We the People” mean to you?
Since the founding of the United States, artists have used art to explore identity, community and belonging inspired by the many stories that make up our shared history.
We invite students to create an original artwork that reflects their perspective and responds to the questions…
*How do you see yourself contributing to or shaping the American story?
*What story about life in the United States feels important for you to tell?
*What will America look like on its’ 300th birthday in 2076?
Students are encouraged to share their unique voice on their experiences with community, culture and family.
Contest Entry Information
2D and 3D artwork of all kinds will be accepted.
Each student is limited to one entry.
2D artwork may be no larger than 42” by 42”, 3D must weigh less than 30 lbs. and be no larger than 42’ in any direction.
Prose entries can be fiction or nonfiction. Submit printed entries of no longer than 2,000 words. Poetry can be typed or hand printed and is limited to two pages in length.
All entries should be original and individually conceived by the student, no class projects.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or copyrighted images are not permitted.
Entries will be judged by category within the following grade-levels
*Kindergarten-2nd grade
*3rd – 5th
*6th – 8th
*9th – 12th
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated on:
*Connection to Theme
*Creativity & Originality
*Clarity & Expression
*Technical Skill/Quality
RECOGNITION AND PRIZES:
One winner per grade-level category will be selected in each format (art 2D, art 3D, essay, and poetry). Winners will receive a certificate of recognition and a prize.
The Arts Council of Carteret County reserves the right to refuse acceptance for any work deemed inappropriate or containing construction flaws.
The ACCC America 250 Student Art Contest is not affiliated with the America250.org Field Trip Contest.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Artworks may be dropped off
Tuesday through Friday, June 16 thru 19, from 11am to 1pm
Saturday, June 20 from 11am-5pm
Opening reception/Announcement of winners
Monday, June 29, 2026 5-7 pm, Winners will be announced at 6:00 pm
Exhibition opens/closes
Tuesday, June 30/Saturday, July 11
Open Daily Tuesday thru Saturday, 11-5
Artwork pickup
Sunday, July 12 between 12 and 4 pm and Monday July 13, between 10 am and 1pm
Items not picked up by July 13 will not be retained.
Bring this entry form with your artwork at registration. Registration is Free! Registration is at the ACCC, 1702 Arendell St, Morehead City