March is Youth Art Month at AMoA!

All children in grades K-12 that live in Rapides Parish are eligible to enter for FREE. Prizes and awards will be presented for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Places and Honorable Mention in each of the competition categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12. A Viewer's Choice Award will also be presented.

The Youth Art Month Competition Exhibition will be on display at the Alexandria Museum of Art, opening  March 6, 2026.
Parents, guardians and/or caregivers may submit an entry on behalf of a student. Students 18 years and older can submit an entry on their own behalf. Teachers must obtain permission to enter on behalf of student.
Teachers, please use your school email address.
  • The 2026 Youth Art Month Competition Exhibition will be on display at the Alexandria Museum of Art March 6 – April 5, 2026.
  • Deadline to Enter: Monday, January 31, 2026, midnight.
  • Juror: Barbara Clover, Resident Artist at River Oaks
SCHEDULE
Entry Deadline:January 31, 2026, midnight
Acceptance email notifications:February 8, 2026 by 5:00 pm
Deadline for delivery of accepted works:February 19, 2026 by 5:00 pm – no exceptions
Exhibition Opens to the public:Friday, March 6, 2026
YAM Exhibition Dates:Friday, March 6 - April 5, 2026
YAM Opening and Awards Announced:Friday, March 6, 2026, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm; Awards at 7:00 pm
All artwork will be available for pick-up:After April 16, 2026, during business hours

HOW TO ENTER:

Please read all guidelines before submitting your entry.

  • Verify all information before submitting. Online Entry Form.
  • Works may be submitted by teachers, parents, or guardians. Students 18 years or older can enter on their own behalf.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

  • One entry per student. Work (and title) must be completed by the student only.
  • All works must be created during the current 2025-2026 school year.
  • Individual and original artwork only. No reproductions of licensed work or group projects will be accepted.
  • Total dimensions of 2-D artwork should not exceed 25”x31”.
  • Works on stretched canvas must have painted edges and do not require matting.
  • 3-D pieces are limited to 3’ in all measurements and must be less than 20lbs.
  • No changes or substitutions are allowed after submission.
  • Computer-generated art is welcomed, but no AI. Digital artwork must have the artist’s signature embedded into the image.

TIP: Pre-cut mats are available at local arts and craft stores in a variety of sizes. Matting service for is available from AMoA. See entry form.

JUDGE’S CONSIDERATIONS:

Judge critiques works based on creativity, originality, execution and overall quality of presentation. Not all entered works are accepted. All works are juried and judged without distinguishing information other than grade level.

AWARDS:

Awards will be presented at the 2026 Youth Art Month Festival on Friday, March 7 at the AMoA Opening Reception. including Blick Art Materials gift cards,and place ribbons.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Awards and Honorable Mention will be presented in K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade level categories, as well as a Viewer’s Choice Award.

NOTE: AMoA is not responsible for works left after June 30, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact madilyn@themuseum.org or call 318-443-3458.

2025 YAM Awards