2026 Student Art Contest

Requirements

Students and residents in grades 6 - 12 are eligible to submit one entry per student.
The artwork must demonstrate the theme: Zebulon Out of the Box.
The theme must be depicted in a landscape orientation.
Work may use one medium, or a combination of media, such as acrylics, watercolor, pencils, charcoal, magic markers, spray paint, crayons, and pastels.
Emphasize colors found in nature, such as vibrant blues and greens, so that it will be visible.
The artwork should be an original design and cannot utilize artificial intelligence.
The art must be submitted with a completed application, parental consent form, description of the artwork, and a brief biography of the artist.
All artwork submitted must be in the following dimensions for high-quality printing: 20 x 12 inches or 6000 x 3600 pixels with 0.5-inch bleeds.
Important elements should remain at least 0.5 inches inside the edges of the artwork to allow for trimming during reproduction.

What is "Zebulon Out of the Box?"

Zebulon is a quaint small town fueled by rich history and lively culture with a heart for community. Zebulon has been built by hard-working business owners, supportive community members, and families, making it a place rich in heritage. It has touched the lives of many generations, and actively impacts the lives of so many now, including young artists who call it home or go to school in Zebulon.

Zebulon Out of the Box seeks to connect individual experience with Zebulon’s shared culture by inspiring artists and helping them to express themselves in creative and personal “out of the box” ways, highlighting the large impact this small but growing town has on so many lives.

This contest aims to have the artists challenge themselves to creatively engage with artistic materials to produce a completed piece, gather experience with producing art on a large scale, and further learn about their own connection to Zebulon.

Helpful Question for Thinking "Out of the Box"

Question #1

As a student or citizen of Zebulon, how has Zebulon been a part of your life, in the highs, the lows, and the mundane days?

Question #2

What's the significance of Zebulon to you, as a town?

Question #3

What fond memories do you have of the town of Zebulon?

Question #4

Has Zebulon helped provide or enrich the community in your life?

Question #5

What story can YOUR art tell?

Timeline

This is YOUR chance to make history. Winning artworks will be blown up and proudly displayed on a building at the corner of N. Arendell Avenue and Horton Street in Downtown Zebulon. Your creativity could become a landmark that the whole community sees every day!

July & August 2026

Information packets shared with teachers and principals. Students interested should apply before the October 1st deadline.

October 1, 2026

Entries due to ZDAC. Must include application, parental consent and release form, description and biography page.

October 7, 2026

Artwork will be judged by a panel of judges based on creativity, reflection of the contest theme, and originality in design.

November 2026

Winning artwork is enlarged and installed on the downtown building, depending on production. Ribbon-cutting and celebrations to follow!

Student Art Contest
Submission

Submit your work to Zebulon Out of the Box in the form. Make sure to include all important submission information before sending.

The submission form will automatically close on October 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Student Application

Thank you for participating in the 1st Annual Zebulon Out of the Box Student Art Contest. Please be sure to complete this application and ask your parent/guardian to complete the consent and release form before submitting your artwork to the Zebulon Downtown Arts Council for judging. Artwork submitted without a fully completed application and consent form will not be considered for the contest.

Student Full Name

Student Age

Student Grade

School Name

School Address (Include City & Zip Code)

Educator Name

Educator Email

Principal Name

Principal Email

Please tell us about your artwork and why you created it: (100 words or less)

Student’s Biography - Tell us a little bit about yourself (100 words or less)

Art Submission Upload

If your file size is too large for upload, please submit a link to where we can download the image.

Art Submission Link

Please make sure if using Google Drive or Dropbox, that your link is available for anyone with the link to view and download.

Parent/Guardian Release & Consent Form

Parent/Guardian Full Name

Home Address (Include City & Zip Code)

Phone

Parent/Guardian Signature

Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload.

Date Signed

I hearby grant permission to use and reproduce the artwork of my child, and use my child's name in any Zebulon Downtown Arts Council (ZDAC) publications, news features, blogs, or other advertisements related to the Zebulon Out of the Box student art contest.

I also grant permission for my child to participate in any interviews with media relating to this event. I understand that any written statements may be edited or used, in whole or in part, or adapted with other materials, and I hearby waive all rights of privacy, compensation, control, or royalties that I may have.

I have read this document before signing above and warrant that I fully understand its contents.

2026 Student Art Contest

What is "Zebulon Out of the Box?"