Drawn Together: Southwest Florida Celebrates America 250

Next date: Friday, May 01, 2026 | 12:00 AM - May 31 2026

Art + Essay Contest for Grades K-12 presented by Collier County Museums and Southwest Florida Family.

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary through art, history, and your own Southwest Florida story. From family roots and community pride to creativity, courage, and culture, young artists across Southwest Florida are invited to share what America at 250 means to them.

Details:

Contest Dates: May 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026

Who can enter: Open to students from grades K-12

Where to Enter: Limited printed templates will be available for pick up at participating locations listed below or link below for digital submissions.

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

There are two ways to enter your artwork.

Option 1: there will be limited pre-printed templates that will be available for pick up at participating locations that can be used as your canvas. You will need to return your artwork for judging by May 31, 2026.

Option 2: submit your artwork digitally in the link below. No digital submissions will be accepted after May 31, 2026. If your artwork is chosen, we will contact you regarding drop off of the physical artwork.

Please review all rules and requirements for submission. Parents will need to provide a Parental Consent & Release form in order for their child to participate.

Themes & Categories:

There are three categories, please select the one that corresponds to your age group. Each category includes a set of themes; you may choose ONE theme that inspires you most. We have included a selection of historical fun facts and questions in the supporting document found on the side panel to help inspire your creativity.

Winners and select entries will be displayed at Collier Museum at Government Center starting July 11, 2026. Winners will be showcased in the August issue of Southwest Florida Family. More details to come!

Click here to view form.