Kentucky students in grades K-8 are invited to enter the 2026 KACo Art Contest. Let us know why you love your Kentucky County!

Before you begin your application, please review the eligibility, guidelines, judging criteria and deadline information. You can view the 2025 winners here. 

Download the 2026 contest flyer here.

Eligibility

• The contest is open to all Kentucky students in kindergarten through 8th grade.
• Each submission must be original artwork completed during 2026.

Artwork Guidelines

• Artwork must depict a scene showing why you love your county. 
  • Tip: Think about the landmarks, public events, natural areas, industries, traditions and experiences that make your county special.
• Each submission must be original artwork completed during 2026.
• AI-generated images are not eligibile.
• Artwork must be in a horizontal/landscape orientation (11" wide x 8.5" tall).

Judging Criteria

• Technical skill: The artwork must display artistic skill in painting, drawing, mixed media or digital art.
• Creativity: The artwork must be original in its expression of a personal vision or voice.
• Artist’s statement: Along with the artwork, each student is required to submit a brief statement (2-4 sentences) that explains the scene depicted and why they love their county.
  • Tip: Tell us about your piece. What special memory, place, person or tradition inspired your artwork? How does your artwork show how you feel about your county?

Deadline and Submission Requirements

• Submissions will be accepted Aug. 24 - Oct. 16, 2026.
• Students must submit a high-resolution image of their artwork for consideration.
• Only one submission per student is allowed.

Prizes

• The first-place winner will receive $250, second place will receive $100, and $50 will be awarded for third place.
• The top three overall winners will be invited to attend the KACo annual conference and will be featured in County Line magazine.
• In addition to the top three winners, artwork will be selected for each grade level to be featured at the KACo annual conference and in the 2027 KACo calendar. 

Helpful Tips

• What makes your county a great place to live? What is your community known for? Think about local landmarks, natural areas, events, industries or sources of county pride.
• Looking for inspiration? Check out last year's winners. 

If you have any questions, please contact Jody Litton at jody.litton@kaco.org.

We are excited to see the great artwork from students across the Commonwealth!

Submit artwork here