The Dakota County Public Art Advisory Committee is pleased to announce the 2026 Dakota County Student Art Contest.
We are calling Dakota County students to submit artwork capturing “Voices of Nature." Celebrate the natural wonders of Dakota County — its parks, rivers, wildlife and changing seasons.
Students can express their connection to the environment through landscapes, animals or abstract interpretations of nature. The committee will judge submissions. The county will display selected artwork at Dakota County Library and service center locations. All entries are due by Friday, March 27, 2026.
Who is eligible
The contest is open to kindergarten through 12th-grade students (during the 2025-26 school year) who live or go to school in Dakota County.
Artwork guidelines
- Artwork must be your original work.
- AI-generated and AI-edited entries are prohibited.
- Students may submit up to three pieces of artwork.
- The following types of art will be accepted:
- Digital art
- Photography
- Oil
- Watercolor
- Graphite
- Pen and ink
- Crayon
- Collage
- Mixed media
Submitting your artwork
Artwork submissions were due by Friday, March 27, 2026.
Complete one online entry form for each piece of artwork submitted.
Include an artist statement that explains how your artwork captures “Voices of Nature."
Upload a photo or image of your artwork. Uploaded images must be:
- PDF or JPG
- At least 300 dpi resolution
- Less than 250MB file size
Artist reception
Artists and their families are invited to a reception on Monday, April 20, 2026 when winning artwork will be announced.
Monday, April 20 from 5-6 p.m.
Winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m.
Western Service Center Atrium, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley
Questions
Contact Sarah Kidwell at 651-438-4372 or email psr@co.dakota.mn.us.