DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — A local art contest for students is now accepting entries.
The 2025-26 Goal Everyone Matters Project Art Contest is looking for student artists in Butler, Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble and Warren counties in grades 6-12 for an art contest.
The theme is resiliency and importance of mental well-being.
Student entrants can be from different types of schools like public, private charter, religious and homeschool.
An “impactful message” must be conveyed to those who might be experiencing mental health issues and creates conversation with the viewer. Messages could be about “depression, anxiety, or addiction to alcohol, drugs, vapes, screens, social media, video games, etc.”
“Entrants must submit an artist’s statement that includes the message they want to give to the viewer, their reasons for entering the contest, and/or any other information they want to share about their submission,” said GEM Project Dayton.
Artwork must be 2-D. Artificial intelligence is prohibited.
An artist is encouraged to include an artist statement, which discusses the following:
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Additional details on submission
Artists will be judged for their work on creativity, design and craftsmanship, impact, relevance to theme and artist’s statement.
Cash awards range from $50 to $1,000. Each participating school will receive at least one cash award.
The organization said GEM artwork is found in all 200 RTA buses. In 2026, the new artwork will be printed in two-year calendars.
Entries can be made through the portal until Jan. 12, 2026. Art submissions can be made here, and done so in a JPEG, PNG or WEBP file.
On Feb. 22, 2026, an awards ceremony will be held. All participants are required to attend, according to event organizers.
Individuals experiencing difficulties with their mental health should call or text 988.
To learn more, click here.
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