The California Coastal Commission invites California students in Kindergarten through 12th grade to submit artwork or poetry with a California coastal or marine theme to the annual Coastal Art & Poetry Contest. This contest deadline is January 31, 2021.
Download the Flyer and Rules for the Contest!
There are five grade categories for awards in both art and poetry:
- K-1
- 2-3
- 4-6
- 7-9
- 10-12
Entries must have a California coastal or ocean theme (for example, no tropical or arctic settings or species). Art does not need to depict specific places or species, but if it does, they must be California places and species.
Artists should include a short statement of a paragraph or less describing their inspiration for the artwork. If needed, this can be dictated to or translated by the teacher or parent.
Winners will be selected for art and poetry in each of the grade categories; winners will receive a $100 gift certificate to an art supply store or bookstore. Each winner’s teacher (named on the Entry Form) will receive a $50 gift certificate for educational supplies from Acorn Naturalists. In addition, multiple honorable mentions may be selected.
Please use the online entry process if possible. If digital upload of entries causes a hardship, they can be mailed to
California Coastal Commission
455 Market Street, Suite 228
San Francisco, CA 94501
- Print out and complete a paper entry form in English for each entry.
- Poems should be printed on the back of the completed Entry Form (preferred) or stapled to the Entry Form.
- Attach completed Entry Form and a short Artist's Statement about the inspiration for the artwork to the back of each piece of artwork with glue or tape.
- Do not fold art or use paperclips or staples.
- Mailed entries must arrive at the Coastal Commission no later than February 1st.
- Multiple entries (whether from one student or from a group) can be sent in one package, but each entry must have its own entry form attached.
Learn more about the contest at https://www.coastal.ca.gov/art-poetry/
