Overview
This competition is exclusively open to:
High school students (Grades 9–12)
Description
This competition is exclusively open to:
High school students (Grades 9–12)
Home-schooled students of equivalent age
This is not a college-level scholarship—it is a high school art competition with scholarship-style monetary awards.
Eligibility
To qualify, students must meet the following:
Must be in high school or equivalent homeschool level
Must attend school in an eligible WGA region
Must submit original, two-dimensional artwork
Artwork must be 8”×10” to 24”×36” (unframed)
Must follow copyright and originality rules
Must not submit photography or AI-generated work
Submission Guidelines
All entries must be original and created by the student
Judges evaluate based on:
Originality & Imagination
Artistic Quality
Expression of Western Theme
Judges do not see personal information during review
People’s Choice Award voting occurs online and is open to the public
Additional Information
Degree Level
This competition is exclusively open to:
High school students (Grades 9–12)
Home-schooled students of equivalent age
This is not a college-level scholarship—it is a high school art competition with scholarship-style monetary awards.
Available Subjects
All submissions must be two-dimensional and created in one or more of the following mediums:
Painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.)
Drawing (pencil, charcoal, pastel, ink, colored pencil)
Mixed media
Silkscreen
Lithography
Collage
Computer-generated graphics (digital illustration)
Not Allowed:
Photography
Video art
AI-generated artwork (disqualified and banned from future competitions)
Benefits
The competition awards generous prizes at both the state and regional levels:
State Awards
State Finalist: $200 (one finalist per state/territory)
Regional Awards
First Place: $1,500
Second Place: $750
Third Place: $500
People’s Choice Award: $250
Additional Recognition
Chairman’s Award for Outstanding High School Art Educator: $300
Students may nominate their art teachers.
Winning art may also receive opportunities for:
Public display
Online recognition
Features through WGA and partner organizations
Podcast interviews (First Place winner)
Eligible Nationalities
No citizenship requirement
Students must attend school in an eligible WGA state or territory
There is no residency requirement beyond attending school in the approved regions.
Participating States and Territories
Students must attend school in one of the following WGA member regions:
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
Homeschool students in these areas are also eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, students must meet the following:
Must be in high school or equivalent homeschool level
Must attend school in an eligible WGA region
Must submit original, two-dimensional artwork
Artwork must be 8”×10” to 24”×36” (unframed)
Must follow copyright and originality rules
Must not submit photography or AI-generated work
Submission Guidelines
All entries must be original and created by the student
Judges evaluate based on:
Originality & Imagination
Artistic Quality
Expression of Western Theme
Judges do not see personal information during review
People’s Choice Award voting occurs online and is open to the public
Application Procedure
1. Create Your Artwork
Choose a theme connected to your state or the West—landscapes, culture, history, identity, or personal meaning.
2. Prepare a High-Quality Photograph
Submit a clear, well-lit image of your artwork for judging.
3. Write a Strong Artist Statement
Explain:
The meaning behind your artwork
What inspired your depiction of your state or the West
The story, people, or ideas represented in your art
4. Complete the Online Entry Form
Submit your artwork image, artist statement, and required personal information.
5. Submit Before the Deadline
Deadline: April 11.
6. Await Selection
Winners are chosen by a panel of art experts, followed by regional judging.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Who can enter the WGA Celebrate the West Art Competition? Any high school or homeschooled student attending school in WGA member states and territories may enter, regardless of citizenship status.
What kind of artwork is accepted in Celebrate the West? Only two-dimensional artwork such as painting, drawing, mixed media, collage, lithography, and computer graphics. Photography and AI-generated artwork are not allowed.
How much money can students win in the Celebrate the West competition? State finalists receive $200, while regional winners can earn up to $1,500, plus additional recognition and opportunities.
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Funding
Partial Funding
Organization
USA Universities
Degree
Non-Degree
Subjects
Arts
Nationality
International Students, Domestic Students
Country
USA
Source
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