To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is sponsoring the Freedom 250 American Heroes Student Art Contest. The competition invites students in grades 3-12 to create artwork inspired by the 200+ historic Americans to be honored with statues in the National Garden of American Heroes.

 The deadline for entry is June 1, 2026.

How to Enter:

• Choose a historical American hero from the list of Americans to be honored in the National Garden of American Heroes.
• Create an original 2D artwork and write short artist statement on your piece and why you chose your hero.
• Submit a photo of artwork and statement online.
• The winning pieces from each state and territory will be displayed at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
• Winners will receive a travel allowance to attend the Great American State Fair with a parent or guardian on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this summer.

Categories:

• Elementary School (3-5 grades)
• Middle School (6-8 grades)
• High School (9-12 grades)

 >>> Learn more about the competition at Freedom 250. 

Additional Contest Materials:

At-a-Glance List of 250 American Heroes

American Heroes Biographies

Slide Deck of American Art Styles
Artist Statement Planning Worksheet
ArtCall Submission Platform