Cleveland County Schools Student Art Competition

Showcasing the creative voices of K–12 students in Cleveland County

The Cleveland County Arts Council is proud to host its annual Student Art Competition and Exhibit, inviting students from kindergarten through 12th grade to submit original artwork across multiple categories: drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed-media, three-dimensional and recycled/up-cycled art. Each year, hundreds of young artists participate—handing in work that reflects their ideas, techniques, and personal vision.

All eligible entries are exhibited in the Arts Council’s Uptown Shelby gallery, giving each student the opportunity to see their work in a public space and be celebrated for their efforts. Awards are presented by grade level and by category, with top entries moving forward for special recognition and “Best of Show” honors. This event not only highlights student achievement, it also fosters creativity, supports art education, and strengthens our community’s connection to visual arts.

We invite families, friends, teachers and the general public to view the exhibition and join in the opening reception. Whether you’re a visitor or a budding young artist, the Student Art Competition is a celebration of imagination, skill, hard work and the promise of the next generation of creatives.