1. The Academic Rodeo recognizes that there are many different mediums for artistic expression.  The contest is not set up to address all of these differences.  Rather, the primary focus is on drawings or paintings on a paper surface.  The artwork should basically be a two-dimensional piece.  When paper collage or additions of fabric, yarn, etc. are added to the primary drawing, it should not extend significantly beyond the paper surface and should not add so much weight that the art cannot be displayed on a board for a lengthy period of time.
2. Artwork should be on a white, manila, or black sheet of drawing paper that is no larger than 11" x 17".  It is important that the artwork be limited to this size to fit on the 12" x 18" poster board for display without damage to the art.
3. Acceptable mediums include crayons, markers, paper, paints, etc.
4. Artwork must be mounted on poster board of any color that is no smaller than 8" x 10" and no larger than 12" x 18". It is preferred that artwork be an overall consistent size of 12" x 18" for display purposes. Mounting will guarantee that thumb tacks or staples will not be attached to your actual artwork.. Actual art should not cover the entire poster board. Please use adhesive that will hold artwork for an extended period of time and will withstand humidity.  When adhesive does not hold, pushpins will be inserted through the artwork to hold it to the poster board and the display board.
5. Do NOT mount artwork on foam board as the thickness makes display difficult.
6. Artwork MAY NOT BE MATTED.
7. Artwork should be given a title to indicate the subject matter. The title should appear on the front of the artwork or, if you prefer not to write on your art, the title may appear on the front of the poster board on which the art is mounted.
8. Additionally, the student's name, grade, title of art, name of teacher, name of school and school district should be affixed to the upper left corner of the back of the entry. (A page of Labels is provided in Forms for this purpose.)
9. Each student submitting artwork must be registered on the Student Entry Form submitted by the school before the set deadline.
10. No more than two best entries from each grade level from each campus may be sent to the East Texas State Fair office for final judging no later than the entry deadline. Each individual student is allowed only one entry.
11. A committee of judges will judge the entries and award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners as well as up to three (3) honorable mention entries from each grade level of competition.

ART WHICH DOES NOT MEET THE ABOVE CRITERIA WILL NOT BE ENTERED FOR COMPETITION, BUT WILL BE EXHIBITED.

All entries will be displayed during the Academic Rodeo and again during the East Texas State Fair. Limited space may not allow for all entries to be displayed.

Art Contest Timeline

(See Academic Rodeo Timeline for specific dates and deadlines.)