Art Contest

As part of the 2025-2026 Palms Year of the Time Capsule, and for the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States, Palms is having a Time Capsule Art Contest!

Theme: "Study the Past! Observe the Present! Imagine the Future!"

Contest opens: Monday, December 1, 2025

Submission Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026, 3:30pm

Overview

Palms students are invited to submit original artwork that reflects any part of this year’s Time Capsule theme.

The year 1976 was the 200th birthday of the USA. What was it like then?

The year 2026 is the 250th birthday of the USA. What is it like now?

The year 2076 will be the 300th birthday of the USA. What will it be like then?

Three winners will be selected for each grade level. The winning entries will be placed in the Palms Time Capsule that we'll bury in 2026, to be opened in 2076.

Also, one contest entry will be selected as the official Time Capsule T-shirt design to help celebrate and commemorate the Time Capsule school year.

Contest Rules

1. Original Artwork Only
   
   • Artwork must be created by the student, by hand: drawn, sketched, or painted.
   • No group submissions or collaborations.
   • AI-generated artwork is not allowed.
   • Students may use AI only to brainstorm theme ideas, not to generate any of artwork.
2. Artwork Size
   
   • All submissions must be on 8.5 x 11-inch paper, either portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal).
3. Student Identification
   
   • Students must write their full name and grade level in pencil on the back of their artwork.
   • Do not put your name on the front of the artwork. Judges will look only at the front side, to keep the judging anonymous.
4. Artist Statement
   
   • Attach (with a paperclip, not a staple) a sheet of paper or an index card that tell us:
     • What your artwork represents
     • What it means to you
     • Why you chose this idea to express the theme
   • Please write neatly in pen, or type.
   • Do not write your name on the attached paper. Your name should be only on the back of your artwork.
5. Winning Entries
   
   • The artwork of winners and finalists will be recognized and displayed on campus.
   • The T-shirt design winner will have their art featured on the 2025–2026 Time Capsule T-shirt.
   • Before placing the winning artwork into the Time Capsule, winners will be asked to sign their artwork on the front side.

How to Submit Your Contest Entry

• Turn your 8.5 by 11-inch artwork and the attached artist statement into Ms. Garret, Room 113, during nutrition or lunch, or immediately after school.
• Make sure your name and grade are only on the back of the artwork.
• Ensure your artist statement is attached to your artwork with a paperclip.

Tips for Success

• Connect to the theme thoughtfully — consider the past, present, or future of your school, family, community, country, or the world.
• Use color, symbolism, and creativity to express your message.
• Keep your work original and meaningful.