Celebrate the West Art Competition

Name: Celebrate the West Art Competition

Award Amount:

• Overall First Place: $600 and a podcast opportunity with the Western Governors’ Foundation
• Overall Second Place: $500
• Overall Third Place: $400
• People’s Choice Award: $250
• State Finalist Awards: $200
• Chairman’s Award for Outstanding High School Art Educator: $300

Information And Eligibility:
Celebrate the West is a regional art competition hosted by the Western Governors Foundation, challenging high school students across the western United States and U.S. territories to create original artwork inspired by their state or the broader concept of the American West. Rather than requiring a traditional scholarship application, this program invites students to express their creativity through two-dimensional artwork that explores personal and cultural connections to the West, its landscapes, its communities, or its history. Winners are recognized with cash awards and opportunities for public exposure, enhancing both artistic confidence and college portfolios.

The competition is open to students enrolled in grades 9–12 in public, private, charter, or alternative high schools. Home-schooled students in the same age range are also eligible to participate. Entrants must reside in one of the member states or territories of the Western Governors Association (WGA), which includes Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

There is no purchase or payment required to enter the competition. Artwork must be original, two-dimensional work created directly by the student and may include media such as painting, drawing, collage, mixed media, computer graphics, and lithography. Photography and video submissions are not accepted. Submissions are assessed by a judging panel based on creativity, artistic quality, and interpretation of the Western theme. Students are encouraged to think deeply about what “the West” means to them, including cultural heritage, environments, traditions, and personal narratives.

Celebrate the West not only offers cash awards but also helps students build visibility in regional creative communities. Winning artwork may be featured through promotional channels associated with the Western Governors Foundation, and students often receive recognition at public events or foundation communications.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a student in grades 9–12 (high school level).
• Must attend a public, private, charter, or alternative high school, or be home-schooled in the eligible grade range.
• Must reside in one of the Western Governors’ Association member states or territories.
• Artwork must be original and created solely by the applicant.
• Artwork must be two-dimensional and comply with size and media guidelines.

Application Requirements:

• Submit a digital copy of original artwork that fits the competition theme.
• Include an entry form with contact information and a brief artist statement.
• Artwork submissions must meet the stated format and originality criteria.

Deadline: April

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