Earth Science Week Visual Arts Contest

Let your artistic skills illustrate the wonders of our planet. Join the 2026 celebration of Earth Science Week by participating in the visual arts theme “Minerals in Society.”

 

Contest Guidelines

Who can enter?

The visual arts contest is open to students in grades K-5 who are residents of the United States.

Your artwork should focus on the topic “Minerals in Society.”

Minerals have an amazing journey—from deposits deep inside Earth to becoming part of the products and technologies we use every day.

Create an original piece of artwork that tells the story of a mineral. Your artwork might illustrate how a mineral forms through Earth processes, how it is discovered, mined, recovered, or recycled, how it becomes part of products people use every day, or why minerals are essential to modern society. We encourage you to think creatively while clearly connecting your artwork to the contest theme.

Must be original, unpublished work

Eligible entries must be original, unpublished works of art created solely by the entrant and clearly address the contest theme, “Minerals in Society.” Artwork may be created using any traditional or mixed-media art materials, including but not limited to colored pencils, crayons, markers, paint, pastels, ink, collage, printmaking, or other hand-created media.

The Earth Science Week Visual Arts Contest celebrates original artistic expression. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate or substantially modify artwork is not permitted. Entries that include AI-generated images, copied or traced artwork, or other work that is not primarily the student’s own creation may be disqualified.

How to submit

Artwork may be submitted electronically or by mail.

If submitting electronically, provide a clear scan or photograph of the artwork in good lighting against a plain background. Please avoid filters or digital enhancements that change the appearance of the artwork, and include a brief description of the materials used (for example, watercolor, colored pencil, collage, or mixed media).

If an electronically submitted entry is selected as a finalist or winner, the original artwork may be requested for verification and exhibition.

What do I need to submit?

The visual arts contest is limited to one submission per entrant. A complete submission will contain the following information:

  1. A completed Microsoft Form found here
  2. One original visual arts submission focusing on the topic “Minerals in Society.” Entries may be submitted electronically as a scan or photograph of the artwork or as an original artwork mailed to the address below.
  3. A release form signed by a parent or guardian. Click here to download the visual arts contest release form.

Submit mailed entries to:

Earth Science Week 2026 Visual Arts Contest
American Geosciences Institute
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302-1502

When is the deadline?

Electronic submission materials must be received by 8 p.m. ET, Friday, October 16, 2026. Mailed submission materials must be postmarked no later than Friday, October 16, 2026. A submission is not considered complete until all required materials have been received.

If you have any problems submitting your entry, please e-mail the Earth Science Week staff at contests@americangeosciences.org.