Be a part of this historic event

Submit K–12 Student Artwork by April 10th, 2026! 

In honor of the Pennsylvania 250 celebration, the Pennsylvania Art Education Association, in partnership with Pennsylvania Creative Industries and First Lady Lori Shapiro, is inviting K–12 students across the Commonwealth to submit original artwork under the theme: Many Communities: One Commonwealth

This theme encourages students to explore voice and community: what makes their hometown, neighborhood, or personal story meaningful. Artwork may reflect:

• Family and personal identity

• Local landmarks or places

• Prominent figures in the community

• Cultural traditions, history, or everyday life

Why Participate?

This is a chance for students to:

• Share their unique voices

• Celebrate their hometowns and communities

• Be part of a statewide, historic arts initiative

• Have their work seen by audiences across Pennsylvania

Submission details and instructions will continue to be shared through PAEA newsletters and social media and are also found below.. We encourage art educators to incorporate this theme into classroom projects and submit student work for consideration.

Exhibition Opportunity

All submitted artwork will be featured in an online gallery on the Pennsylvania Art Education Association website.

A selection of student artworks will be curated into a digital collage, printed and mounted on exhibition panels. These panels will be unveiled in Harrisburg in June 2026 and will travel to locations across Pennsylvania as part of the Pennsylvania 250 celebration.

Submission Guidelines

• Eligibility: K–12 students. Any Pennsylvania K-12 Arts Educator is eligible to submit student work. You do not need to be a PAEA/NAEA member.

• Format: 2-D and 3D artwork (drawing, painting, collage, photography, digital, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, etc.) Artwork completed prior to this call is eligible for submission provided it fits the theme.

• Theme: “Many Communities: One Commonwealth”

• Submit artwork here. Teachers are encouraged to submit multiple artworks. Each artwork will require a separate entry form. 

• Deadline: April 10, 2026