2025 Emerging Artists Competition & Exhibition

Arts for Rural Texas proudly presents Emerging Artists, an annual youth art competition and exhibition that showcases the creativity and talent of rural Texas students. Held each year at the Ross Gallery, the competition invites students in grades 6–12 to submit one original work of art for a chance to earn ribbons and a share of $5,000 in cash prizes. 

The Emerging Artists Competition is generously underwritten by Mary Le and Arne Johnson.

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. All work must be original in concept and design and may not be a copy of another artist’s photographs or artwork.

  • All submissions 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, fiber, etc.).

  • All two-dimensional works (paintings, drawings, photography, and digital prints) must be framed and ready to hang with a wire across the back. Unframed work will not be accepted.

  • If three-dimensional works require special support, that support must be provided with the artwork.

  • Artwork must be delivered with a description of each piece (artist’s name and grade level) attached to 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 provided mailing address on the entry form within five days of the close of the exhibition.

Important Dates & Deadlines

  • Thursday, July 24: The call for entry will close at 4 PM. Late entries will not be accepted!

  • Thursday, July 24- Saturday, July 26: Artwork can be delivered to the ARTS Ross Gallery from 10 AM – 4 PM. All work must be received by Saturday at 4 PM. Again, late entries will not be accepted!

  • Saturday, August 2: 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 2:30 PM.

  • August 2 – 30: Exhibition dates. The ARTS Ross Gallery will be open to the public Tuesday- Saturday from 10 AM – 4 PM.

  • September 2 – 6: Unsold artwork can be picked up from the ARTS Ross Gallery from 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.

Call for Entry

Complete the form below to enter. The deadline to submit is Thursday, July 24 at 4 PM. Late entries will not be accepted.

For questions, contact artists@artsforruraltexas.org or call (979) 378-2113.