Emerging Artists Competition & Exhibition Grant

The Emerging Artists Competition & Exhibition, organized by Arts For Rural Texas, showcases the creativity of rural Texas students in grades 6-12. Participants submit original artwork for a chance to win ribbons and share in $5,000 in cash prizes. This annual event, held at the Ross Gallery, aims to inspire young artists and promote cultural engagement in rural communities, while fostering artistic development and appreciation among youth.

Arts For Rural Texas
Arts For Rural Texas (ARTS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded on the belief that children in rural communities deserve access to visual and performing arts. These experiences are an essential part of education, helping to develop fundamental skills that lead to success in life. Recognizing that exposure to the arts would only be possible if brought directly to local communities, they set out to provide meaningful cultural experiences that nurture personal and academic growth.
ARTS began with two Fine Art Assemblies in two school districts, followed by two Art After School classes and one weeklong Summer Camp in Fayetteville. From its beginnings as pop-up art lessons over twenty years ago, ARTS has evolved into a robust charitable nonprofit with two educational campuses, a fine art gallery, and a multi-county reach. Through its programs, ARTS continues to inspire and cultivate creativity in children and adults across rural Texas.
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.

Eligibility

Competition RulesThe competition is open to public, private, and homeschooled students across Texas in grades 6th-12th.Students must have completed 5th grade and are entering 6th grade to be eligible.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. No reproductions of stock images or AI generated art.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. Gallery-wrapped canvases are acceptable unframed, provided the edges are neatly painted as an extension of the artwork or finished in a solid color. If three-dimensional works require special support, that support must be provided with the artwork. Pedestals are available for display.Artwork must be delivered with a description of each piece (artist’s name and grade level) attached to or written on the back of the work.

Ineligibility

Students that have graduated and completed 12th grade are NOT eligible to participate.All other unframed work will not be accepted.