2026 Art and Essay Contest for 3rd and 4th Graders
This year, as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we also celebrate the tapestry of people who have helped shape the United Sates of America and our understanding of ourselves. This year’s Art and Essay contest will reflect on George Washington Carver’s life and legacy from the lens of America’s Semiquincentennial.
According to the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, “Today’s young people are the leaders, innovators, and thinkers who will shape the next 250 years – and it’s important their voices are heard as we commemorate this historic milestone.”
Through this year’s Art and Essay theme, students will have the opportunity to reflect and find inspiration in George Washington Carver’s life and his work and to dream about a future where they may take up the mantle of a leader, artist, educator, humanitarian, and/or scientist. The entry deadline is February 26, 2026.
Theme - George Washington Carver's Legacy at America's 250th
See guiding questions below. These are exploratory questions to aid students in their projects, but creativity and diverse interpretations of the theme are encouraged.
Guiding Questions:
- What can we learn from George Washington Carver in the 21st century?
- How do we remember, connect to, or find inspiration in George Washington Carver today?
- How does George Washington Carver fit into the history of our country?
- How might he fit into our future?How have things changed since George Washington Carver’s time?
- What would George Washington Carver think if he was alive today?
- If you could meet George Washington Carver, what would you ask him? What could you do together or to celebrate the 250th?
Entry Rules and Submission
ART
-
Open to all 3rd-4th graders
-
3rd & 4th grade entries judged together
-
Limit one art category entry and one essay per student
-
Art judged in three categories: 2-D, 3-D, or groups (3-5 students)
-
2-D or 3-D artwork limited to 24” on any side; submit by mail, in person, or email one photo as .jpg or .pdf
-
Cover page and release statement must be included with each entry
-
Entry postmark deadline: February 26, 2026
ESSAY
-
Open to all 3rd- 4th graders
-
3rd & 4th grade entries judged separately by grade
-
Limit one art category entry and one essay per student
-
essays limited to 500 words, typed or hand-written; submit by mail, in person, or email one file as .doc, .pdf, or .jpg
-
Cover page and release statement must be included with each entry
-
Entry postmark deadline: February 26, 2026
Judging
Educators, artists, and other qualified judges volunteer their time to judge art entries. Art is judged on theme expression, originality, technical ability, creativity. An art show will be set up in the visitor center beginning March 8, 2026 Essay judges are preservice teachers, retired educators, authors, and others interested in youth writing. Essay judging is based on the 6+1 trait writing scoring guide (see below).
Awards
An awards ceremony and reception is set for April 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. First place art winners receive a voucher to attend an art class at Spiva Center for the Arts. First place essay winners receive a George Washington Carver biography. First, second, and third place winners in each category receive a ribbon and all participants receive an official certificate.
Special guest: Roary the Lion from Missouri Southern State University will join the awards fun! Get your photo taken with Roary! Refreshments will be served.
Teacher Resources
-
George Washington Carver the Artist lesson plans (call or email to have this sent to you)
-
Park film: George Washington Carver, A Man of Character (12 minutes) https://www.nps.gov/gwca/learn/education/curriculummaterials.htm
-
Classroom Visits or Virtual Visits with park rangers and park volunteers to discuss the theme.
Partners
This contest is generously supported by:
Send Submissions To:
e-mail us
George Washington Carver National Monument
5646 Carver Road
Diamond, Missouri 64840
For questions, call 417.325.4151
