The “Celebrate the West” 2021 art competition is open to high school students (Grades 9-12) in the Western Governors’ Association’s (WGA) active-member states and territories (list below).

The Competition: Submit an original two-dimensional artwork that conveys what your state means to you, how you are artistically inspired by your state, or the uniqueness of living in the West. You may draw inspiration from your state’s history, landmarks, natural resources, National Parks or Monuments, current or historical events, people, community, and culture.

“Original artwork” is defined as artwork which is unique in concept, design, and execution, and is created directly and personally by the Student. “Original” work is not a copy or imitation from another artists’ work or from images found on the internet.

The deadline for entry is April 30, 2021. Judging for State Finalists will be conducted May 7, 2021. State Finalists will be displayed in an online virtual competition in conjunction with the WGA Governors’ Annual Meeting to be held May 14-16, 2021 in Sunriver, Oregon. Finalists will compete for First ($1,500), Second ($750), and Third Place ($500) Awards voted on by meeting attendees, which include governors and their staff, and WGA sponsors. Remaining State Finalists win $200.

The online competition will conclude May 21, 2021, and students will be notified of the results on that date.

Students may have the opportunity, subject to scheduling and availability, to have their artwork displayed in their home state’s capitol building and meet with their governor.

To enter, students submit an Entry Form and a digital copy (PNG, JPG, PDF, BMP, TIF) of their artwork via email to WGAart@westgov.org. Please read the Rules before entering and email any questions to WGAart@westgov.org. Go to WGA’s website www.westgov.org to see prior winners and to find the Entry Form and Rules; or call 303-623-9378.

Entry is free, and framing, matting, and shipping charges are paid for by WGA.

“Celebrate the West” is open to high school students from 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, Wyoming.

***One participating teacher will be selected the Western Governors’ Foundation Chairman’s Award for Outstanding High School Art Teacher, with a prize of $300 to be awarded to the winning teacher!

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