2026 Visionarios Annual Youth Art Contest and Exhibition

INTRODUCTION

The Port of Corpus Christi and the Art Museum of South Texas are pleased to announce the 2026 Visionarios Youth Art Contest for students in grades 1-12. This juried competition encourages young people to integrate the arts into core curriculum and provides an opportunity for them to be recognized for their efforts.

Research shows that students who study the arts perform better in the classroom and on standardized tests, and are less likely to drop out of school. Arts education also helps students develop the focus, cooperation, and self-motivation necessary for high achievement in school and in life. The Port of Corpus Christi and AMST are dedicated to helping young people envision a bright future and develop the discipline and creativity to achieve their goals.

For the past 25 years, the Visionarios exhibition has celebrated the youthful perception and creativity contained by students of the coastal bend. This year’s theme is based on Under the Lone Star Sky.

Beneath the Texas sky, countless stories unfold shaped by the land, the people, and the traditions that make this state unique. This theme encourages young artists to explore not only the wide horizons of Texas geography, but also the rich cultures, communities, and heritages that live here. What story shines brightest for you under the Lone Star sky?

Students should respond to the prompt: UNDER THE LONE STAR SKY through their artwork and accompanying short essay.

THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE

ELIGIBILITY

Students in grades 1-12 attending a Coastal Bend public, private, or home school are eligible to participate. Students may enter through their school or as a private entry through a parent. Categories include wet media, dry media, mixed media and photography.

DATES TO REMEMBER

TODAY: GET STARTED!
For Teachers: Include Visionarios in your lesson plans!
For Parents: Encourage your student’s teacher to include Visionarios in his/her lesson plans or encourage your student to enter privately.

FEBRUARY 19 and 20, 2026 (Thursday and Friday):
Drop off students’ artwork and essays at AMST

MARCH  22, 2026 1-4 PM:
Visionarios Free Family Day & Awards Presentation

MARCH 13 — APRIL 26, 2026:
Exhibition on display at AMST

MAY 18 — MAY 29, 2026:
Pick up non-winning artwork (by appointment; please email AMSTed@tamucc.edu)

For more information, please email AMSTed@tamucc.edu or call 361.825.3508

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENTER THE 2026 CONTEST, CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW:

CONTEST RULES
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
TEACHER INSTRUCTIONS
STUDENT ENTRY FORM
ONLINE TEACHER SUBMISSION FORM
PDF TEACHER ENTRY FORM (ONLY if unable to use ONLINE SUBMISSION FORM)
PARENT LETTER (Bilingual)

Download a Certificate of Participation (coming in Feb 2026)

Download a Family Day and Awards Presentation Invitation (coming in Feb 2026)

View the winning artworks of the
2023 Visionarios Youth Art Contest: