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Youth Art Contest Details
This year’s bird is the Clapper Rail.
Click here to learn more about the Clapper Rail.
Contest Theme
The Clapper Rail: Connecting students to the Clapper Rail in its local habitat through art, and celebrating student art in a regional community event.
Eligibility
All students in Matagorda County, Kindergarten through 12th grade, are encouraged to participate.
Key Deadlines
Winning entries and Honorable Mentions will be displayed with the student's first name during and around the 2027 Matagorda Bay BirdFest. The Awards Event will be held Friday, April 9 — time and location in Palacios: TBA.
Divisions & Prizes
Open to Grades K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12. Winners' monetary award is shared equally between artist and teacher. Prizes will also be awarded to 50 Honorable Mention students.
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Grades K–2: First $200, Second $100, Third $50
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Grades 3–5: First $200, Second $100, Third $50
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Grades 6–8: First $200, Second $100, Third $50
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Grades 9–12: First $200, Second $100, Third $50
Artwork Media
Original entries only, showing the Clapper Rail in its native local habitat. Acceptable mediums: ink, watercolor, acrylic, pencil, chalk pastel, charcoal, or 2D collage. 3D entries and oil pastels will not be accepted.
Submission Specs
Use 8½x11" paper mounted on 9x12" construction paper (artist's choice of color). Sign the front with first name only. Download, copy, and fully complete the entry form, then glue or paste it securely to the back. Incomplete, stapled, or fastened entries will not be accepted.
How to Enter
1. Download and complete the official entry form.
2. Create your original artwork on 8½x11" paper, showing the Clapper Rail in its native local habitat, using one of the approved mediums (ink, watercolor, acrylic, pencil, chalk pastel, charcoal, or 2D collage — no 3D entries, no oil pastels).
3. Sign the front with your first name only.
4. Mount the artwork on 9x12" construction paper (your choice of color).
5. Glue or paste the completed entry form securely to the back — stapled or fastened entries will not be accepted.
6. Submit by Friday, March 5, 2027 to your school office.
