2026 River Valley Student Art Competition

PDF RVSAC Guidelines
PDF Entry Form

Guidelines

For grades K-12th

  • Teachers & parents/guardians may enter their student’s artwork.

  • Students may enter their own artwork.

  • Only one entry per student.

Artwork

Accepted artwork, restrictions, and preparation.

All work must be original and created by the student; AI-generated artwork will not be accepted.

2D WORKS:

Min. 8x10 inches. Max. 16x22 inches. Artwork no thicker than ½ inch. Works on paper must be adhered to poster board or foam board or in a frame to stabilize work for hanging. You must apply a spray fixative to charcoal/pastel artwork to prevent rub-off or transfer to other pieces. Frame must have a sawtooth hanger. AOM will attach hanging materials to non-framed artwork.

3D WORKS:

Size not exceed 36 inches in any direction. Max. weight 50 pounds. All attached items must be securely affixed to the artwork to ensure they do not detach.

All works must remain in the exhibition through April 27, 2026. You will be notified when your artwork is available for pickup.

Categories

These are the categories for awards by grades.

You will list a category on entry forms.

CAT 1: Pen & ink, pencil, charcoal, pastel, crayon, marker

CAT 2: Painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor)

CAT 3: Mixed Media/Alternative (a combination of materials in categories 1 & 2, or collage, or glass mosaic)

CAT 4: 3D

CAT 5 (grades 7-12 ONLY): Photography or digital artwork

How to Enter

Bring and check-in artwork with entry forms to Arts On Main, 415 Main Street, Van Buren

Artwork check-in dates: March 12th, 13th & 14th

Daily 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Each artwork requires 2 completed Entry Forms (entry forms will be available at the front desk; to save time at check-in, you may print and complete the form and bring with you).

  • Attach one entry form to the back of the artwork.

  • Submit second entry form at check-in.

Awards

Students whose artwork is selected for an award will receive their award packet during the Opening Reception.

Grades K-3

Juror’s Choice Award $50
First Place in each category $30
Second Place in each category $20
Third Place in each category $10

Grades 4-6

Juror's Choice Award $75
First Place in each category $50
Second Place in each category $30
Third Place in each category $20

Grades 7-9

Juror's Choice Award $75
First Place in each category $50
Second Place in each category $30
Third Place in each category $20

Grades 10-12

Juror's Choice Award $100
First Place in each category $75
Second Place in each category $50
Third Place in each category $25

Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony

Bring your friends and family!

Sunday, April 12
1:00-4:00 pm

Award Presentations

  • 1:00-2:00 pm Grades K-6th

  • 3:00-4:00 pm Grades 7th-12th

Questions?

479-474-7767

info@artsonmainvb.com