The Vallejo City Unified School District invites all TK–12 students to participate in our Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest. We encourage students to honor and reflect on the rich histories, traditions, literature, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans through visual artwork, written poetry, or a short story.
Main Details and Information
Entry Deadline:
5 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2026
Winners Announced:
All submissions recognized at the October 28 VCUSD Board Meeting Study Session
Public Display:
Winning submissions will be on physical display at the District Office building and other various locations to be announced through November 19, 2026. All artwork will be returned to the student.
This art contest is open to all TK–12 students across VCUSD. Submissions will be split between four grade groups:
- TK–2nd Grade
- 3rd–5th Grade
- 6th–8th Grade
- 9th–12th Grade
All physical artwork should be turned into the student's school's main office. A digital version or a photograph will be required on the submission form.
Contest Categories
2D physical art (drawing, painting, watercolor, collage, or digital art).
Dimensions: 8.5" x 11" up to 18" x 24" (portrait or landscape)
Required: a 2–5 sentence artist statement
An original poem written in English, Spanish, or bilingual (English/Spanish).
Maximum length: 30 lines
Formats welcome: free verse, sonnets, haiku, or spoken-word style scripts
An original short story written in English, Spanish, or bilingual (English/Spanish).
Maximum length: 2,000 words
Judging Criteria
Judging Criteria
| Criterion (1-5 scale) | Visual Art | Poetry | Short Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theme (35%) | Cultural connection and reflection | Depth, theme relevance, cultural expression | Cultural connection, theme relevance, and depth |
| Creativity (30%) | Originality and perspective | Original voice, imagery, poetic technique | Original voice, plot, and characterization |
| Craftsmanship (30%) | Technical quality for grade level | Structure, flow, word choice, rhythm | Structure, pacing, word choice, and grammar |
| Statement (5%) | Artist statement clarity | Written explanation of poetic intent | Overall emotional impact and clarity |
Share Your Story
We can't wait to see how you celebrate the creativity, resilience, and heritage of the Hispanic and Latino community through your art and words. Every submission is a chance to share your voice. We look forward to seeing the creativity, pride, and passion you bring to your work.