An art and essay contest from Collier Museums in collaboration with Southwest Florida Family
America’s 250th anniversary is a time to reflect on our nation’s history, celebrate our communities and imagine the future through the eyes of young artists.
Southwest Florida Family and Collier Museums invite students across Southwest Florida to participate in Drawn Together: Southwest Florida Celebrates America at 250, a month-long art and essay contest for students in grades K–12.
Young artists are encouraged to create original artwork inspired by heritage, family, community, innovation, culture and the Southwest Florida experience. Each entry must also include a short written reflection from the artist describing the meaning behind the work.
Winners and selected entries from all age groups will be displayed at the Collier Museum at the Government Center starting on July 11, 2026.
Contest Dates
May 1–31, 2026
Who Can Enter
This contest is open to students in three age groups:
- Pioneer: Grades K–4
- Explorer: Grades 5–8
- Innovator: Grades 9–12
How the Contest Works
Participants will:
- Choose a prompt from their age group
- Create one original piece of artwork
- Complete a short essay describing their inspiration and ideas
- Submit the completed entry by May 31, 2026
Printed templates will be available for pickup beginning May 1, 2026 at:
Collier County Museums
- Naples Depot Museum: 1051 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102
- Collier Museum at the Government Center: 3331 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112
- Immokalee Pioneer Museum: 1215 Roberts Avenue West, Immokalee, FL 34142
- Marco Island Historical Museum: 180 South Heathwood Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145
- Museum of the Everglades: 105 West Broadway Avenue, Everglades City, FL 34139
Collier County Libraries
- Headquarters Regional: 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109
- Naples Regional: 650 Central Ave, Naples, FL 34102
- South Regional: 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy, FL 34113
- Estates Branch: 1266 Golden Gate Blvd, FL 34120
- Immokalee Branch: 417 N. First Street, Immokalee, FL 34142
Families may return completed entries in person by May 31, 2026. There will also be an option to upload a scan or photo of the artwork.
Contest Prompts by Age Group
Pioneer | Grades K–4
Themes: Heritage, Family, Community
Choose one of the following prompts:
What does America’s anniversary mean to you?
Create artwork that shows what America’s 250th anniversary means through your eyes.
America 250 SWFL Postage Stamp
Design a postage stamp that reflects your journey in Southwest Florida.
Explorer | Grades 5–8
Themes: Unity, Connection, Courage
Choose one of the following prompts:
My Family’s Journey to SWFL
Show how your family came to Southwest Florida and what that journey means to you.
Swamp Buggy Redesign
Redesign a swamp buggy that represents America 250.
Innovator | Grades 9–12
Themes: Civic Life, History, Innovation
Choose one of the following prompts:
America Illustrated
Tell your personal story while drawing inspiration from American Artists and Art Movements.
America: A Tapestry of Cultures
Create artwork that shows how America reflects a tapestry woven from many cultures, traditions, and
stories. What is your story?
Essay Component
Each entry must include a short essay (500 words or less) from the artist.
The essay should explain:
- Which prompt the student selected
- The inspiration behind the artwork
- The meaning of the piece
- How the artwork connects to America at 250
Entry Pickup and Submission
Pick up entry templates starting May 1, 2026 at participating Collier County Libraries and Collier County Museums.
Submit entries by May 31, 2026 in one of two ways:
- Return the completed template in person
- Upload a scan or photo of the artwork online
For locations and contest details, go to www.colliermuseums.com
Why Enter?
This contest gives students the chance to:
- Explore the meaning of America’s 250th anniversary
- Express personal stories through art and writing
- Celebrate family, heritage and community
- Connect local history with national history
- Share their creativity with Southwest Florida
Create. Reflect. Celebrate.
Drawn Together: Southwest Florida Celebrates America at 250 is an opportunity for students to honor the past, share their stories and imagine the future through art.
Pick up your template beginning May 1 and submit your artwork and essay by May 31, 2026.
About the Partners
Collier Museums
Collier Museums preserves and shares the rich history and culture of Collier County through exhibitions, educational programming and community engagement.
Southwest Florida Family
Southwest Florida Family connects local families with resources, events and opportunities throughout the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter the contest?
Students in grades K–12 in Southwest Florida may enter. The contest is divided into three age groups: Pioneer, Explorer and Innovator.
When does the contest run?
The contest runs from May 1 through May 31, 2026.
Where can I get an entry template?
Printed templates will be available for pickup at Collier County Libraries and Collier County Museums beginning May 1, 2026.
Can artwork be submitted online?
Yes. Families may upload a scan or photo of the artwork as part of the submission process. Go to the Collier County Museums contest page here.
Is there a writing component?
Yes. Each entry must include a short essay explaining the inspiration, meaning, and story behind the artwork.
What is the theme of the contest?
The contest celebrates America’s 250th anniversary through the lens of Southwest Florida families, history, culture and community.