The competition is open to all South Dakota school/homeschool students in grades K-12. Students age 17 and younger must have their entry submitted on their behalf by their art representative (art teacher, classroom/homeschool teacher, parent/guardian). Students age 18 may submit an entry on their own or have their art representative submit on their behalf.  

Three student artworks are selected for the following divisions:
•    Grades K-2
•    Grades 3-5
•    Grades 6-8
•    Grades 9-12

•    One artwork entry per student is allowed.
•    Artwork submitted must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or ad) that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. 
For more information on copyright laws, we recommend you visit this site for the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.
•    Artwork maximum dimensions are 24" × 24" × 4".
•    Artwork maximum weight is 15 lbs.
•    Artwork must be two-dimensional. (For a example: a flat visual, not a sculpture)
•    Artwork submitted should not be needed for other purposes for a year.

ACCEPTED MEDIUMS:
•    Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
•    Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (Charcoal and pastel must be fixed.)
•    Collages: must be two dimensional
•    Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
•    Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
•    Digital art
•    Photographs

Click here to fill out the entry form and upload an image of the artwork.
Below is the information needed for the entry.

Student Information:
• Student's Full Name
• Student's Grade
• Student's City
• Student's Legislative District (For reference: https://sdlegislature.gov/references/maps)

School Information:
• School name (For homeschool students, please enter "Homeschool")
• Teacher's full name
• Teacher's email address

Artwork Information:
• Artwork Title
• Artwork Medium (For example: colored pencil, charcoal, mixed media, etc.)
• Artwork Dimensions and Orientation (For example: 20" x 16", Horizontal)
• Artwork Image Upload (JPG file accepted; must be 5 MB or smaller)
• About the Art (For example: What is the story behind this visual, or how or why did you choose to create this art?)
• Artist Description: About the Artist (For example: What does art or this artwork mean to you?)

1.    Sign the online SDAC Governors Student Artwork Permissions form emailed to you by the SDAC.
2.    Prepare the artwork by removing all labels, ribbons, matting, or framing. 
3.    Mark arrows on the back to indicate correct orientation.
4.    Ship the artwork to the SDAC office before the deadline to 711 E. Wells Ave., Pierre, SD 57501.  
5.    The SDAC will then have the artwork professionally framed for display in the State Capitol Building.

EXHIBIT DISPLAY: The artworks will be on display for viewing in the first-floor rotunda of the State Capitol Building through October. The Capitol is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including weekends and holidays, and for extended hours during Legislative Session. After the exhibit time is over, the SDAC may consider an offer to purchase the student's artwork if it is for sale. If not or the artwork is not for sale, the artwork will be returned to the student.

PRINT: Selected artworks for the Governor’s Student Art Competition exhibition will be featured in a calendar printed and shared with all state legislators. Selected students will receive a few copies.

ONLINE: The artworks selected will be featured in an online gallery with a link posted on this page, and showcased on social media. Make sure to follow @SouthDakotaArtsCouncil on Facebook,  Instagram, and YouTube.