Clay County Public Library System Art Contest

Between June 20, 2026, and July 18, 2026, the Clay County Public Library System will hold an art contest seeking artwork for special limited-edition marketing materials, promotional materials, and library cards for Library Card Sign-Up Month in September 2026.

The theme for the contest is “America 250” in honor of the semiquincentennial anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Rules, Terms, and Conditions

The contest is open to all Clay County, Florida, residents of all ages.

Amateur artists will be grouped and judged by the following age categories:

• Age 5 and under
• Ages 6 to 11
• Ages 12 to 18
• Ages 19 and older

Professional artists and staff will be grouped and judged in a separate category. Professional status will be determined, if needed, at the discretion of the judging panel.

Submission Dates and Methods

Entries may be submitted at any Clay County Public Library branch or by email beginning at 9:00 a.m. on June 20, 2026, and ending at 5:00 p.m. on July 18, 2026.

Digital artwork may be submitted by email along with a scanned and signed entry form.

Email submissions to: ptlibrary@claycountygov.com

Late entries will not be accepted.

Judging and Winner Announcement

Entries will be judged by a panel of Clay County Board of County Commissioners staff between July 20, 2026, and July 23, 2026.

Winners will be announced on July 31, 2026.

Judging Criteria

• Were the submission rules followed?
• Does the artwork reflect the theme “America 250”?
• Is the artwork appropriate for use on a library card or other library marketing or promotional materials based on size, content, and medium?
• Does the artwork demonstrate creativity and strong design?

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to the first-place winner in each amateur age group and to the first-place winner in the professional artist category.

Second- and third-place winners in each category will receive a certificate.

First-place winners may have their artwork featured on limited-edition library cards and/or library marketing and promotional materials beginning September 1, 2026, while supplies last.

Eligibility and Entry Limit

• Judging panel staff and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate.
• Limit one (1) entry per person.

Artwork Requirements

• Artwork must measure 10.5 inches by 6.6 inches.
• A plain white border may be included if needed.
• Digital artwork must be submitted as a flattened PDF file.
• Digital files must not exceed 25 MB.
• Digital artwork must be in CMYK color mode.
• Digital artwork must be at least 300 DPI.