Elementary Explorer

Art Competitions

Explore fun and exciting art contests happening now and throughout the year.

Create boldly, dream big, and let your imagination shine.

Participating in art competitions helps elementary students build confidence, strengthen creativity, and proudly share their artwork with others.

Art Opportunities for Elementary Students

Details

Doodle for Google

Doodle for Google is an annual art and creativity contest that invites students to design their own version of the Google logo based on a creative theme. Each year, selected student artwork is featured on the Google homepage.

The contest celebrates imagination, artistic expression, and storytelling, giving children a chance to share their ideas with the world.

Who can participate?
Students in Grades K–12

Elementary Divisions:
Primary: Kindergarten – Grade 2
Intermediate: Grades 3 – 5

Who can submit an entry?
Parents, teachers, schools, homeschool programs, nonprofits, and after-school programs may submit entries on behalf of students. Parent or guardian permission is required.

How entries are judged:
• Artistic skill (age-appropriate)
• Creativity and imagination
• How clearly the theme is communicated
• Creative use of the Google logo

Prizes & Recognition:
5 Finalists selected nationally
$10,000 college scholarship for the National Winner
• Winning artwork featured on Google.com
• Google technology and merchandise
• A $50,000 technology award for the winning student’s school

Timeline:
• Entries are typically submitted in the fall
• Finalists announced by early May
• National Winner announced by late May

Eligibility notes:
Students must be enrolled in a U.S.-based school (including homeschool) and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Children of U.S. military families living abroad may also participate.

Why it’s great for elementary students:
Doodle for Google encourages creativity, confidence, and self-expression. There is no test pressure—just imagination, art, and storytelling.

Learn more & register →

Math Kangaroo Poster Contest

The Math Kangaroo Poster Contest invites students (and adults) to design a creative poster promoting the upcoming Math Kangaroo USA competition. It is a fun way for children to combine art, creativity, and math.

Submissions for the 2027 Math Kangaroo Poster Contest are now open.

Who can participate?
• Students in Grades K–12
• Adults may also participate (separate category)

Submission Deadline:
April 19, 2026

What must be included on the poster:
• Math Kangaroo Competition in the USA (K–12 students)
• Competition Date: Thursday, March 18, 2027
• Registration Dates: Sept 15 – Dec 31, 2026
• Website: www.mathkangaroo.org
• A math-related, eye-catching visual

Poster Format:
• Electronic submissions only (JPG, PNG, or PDF)
• Minimum resolution: 300 dpi
• Color and creativity encouraged
• One poster per person

Important rules:
• Posters must be original work
• No copied images from websites
• Posters created entirely by AI image generators are not allowed

Prizes & Recognition:
Best Poster: $200 Amazon Gift Card
Best T-Shirt Design: $100 Amazon Gift Card
• Winning poster featured in official Math Kangaroo 2027 materials
• Distribution to schools, libraries, and community partners nationwide
• National recognition at the Math Kangaroo Annual Award Ceremony

Why it’s great for elementary students:
This contest encourages creativity, design skills, and excitement about math — with no testing or pressure involved.

Learn more & submit your poster →

National PTA Reflections Arts Program

The National PTA Reflections program is a long-running arts competition that encourages students to express their ideas, feelings, and creativity through original artwork. It has inspired students for over 50 years.

Each year, students create artwork inspired by a student-created theme and submit their work through their local PTA.

Who can participate?
Students in Pre-K through Grade 12
Elementary Divisions:
• Primary: Pre-K – Grade 2
• Intermediate: Grades 3–5

Arts Categories:
• Dance Choreography
• Film Production
• Literature (stories, poems, essays)
• Music Composition
• Photography
• Visual Arts (drawing, painting, mixed media)

2025–2026 Theme:
“I Belong!”
Students are encouraged to share what belonging means to them through their artwork.

How to participate:
• Students submit entries through their local PTA
• Families should check with their school PTA or state PTA for deadlines and submission details
• Parents, teachers, and caregivers may help submit entries

Recognition & Awards:
• Awards of Excellence & Awards of Merit at the national level
• Medals (Bronze, Silver, Gold) and certificates
• Scholarships for top national winners
• Artwork featured in a national virtual exhibition

When are winners announced?
National-level winners are typically announced in May.

Why it’s great for elementary students:
Reflections builds confidence, creativity, and self-expression. There are no tests or scores — just imagination, effort, and a chance to be recognized for original ideas.

Learn more & find your local program →