What is the Native American Student Artist Competition?
The Native American Student Artist Competition is a national art competition sponsored by the Office of Indian Education. American Indian and Alaska Native students from all over the country submit artwork and essays related to the theme (the 2011 theme will be announced July 21, 2010, at the exhibit opening in Washington, DC). Winning entries become part of a national exhibit displayed at galleries, museums, and schools throughout the U.S.

How do I register?
You can register online or call toll free 1-877-528-4025. If you register online, you will receive an Application and Release form with your registration confirmation. If you register over the phone, we will send you an Application and Release form. Important! Your artwork must be submitted with your signed Application and Release form.

Can parents and teachers register artwork for students?
Yes. Parents and teachers can register online or call toll free 1-877-528-4025.  Please remind your students that we must receive their Application and Release form with their artwork and all required signatures.

Who is eligible?
American Indian and Alaska Native students in grades Pre-K through 12 are eligible to submit artwork. American Indian and Alaska Native students in grades 6 through 12 are eligible to submit essays. We cannot accept artwork from students who have graduated high school.

Do you require documentation of tribal affiliation?
No, we do not require documentation.

What is the deadline for entry?
The postmark deadline for entries is January 28, 2011.

When will winners be announced?
Winners will be announced in March 2011.

What are the grade categories?
For the art competition:
•    Pre-K (ages 4-5) -K
•    1-3
•    4-6
•    7-8
•    9-10
•    11-12
For the writing competition:
•    6-8
•    9-10
•    11-12

What are the prizes for the winners?
We are currently finalizing prizes for the 2010 competition. In the past, winners have received commemorative plaques and age-appropriate art materials. First place winners in grades 11 and 12 will receive an invitation to participate in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian's Emerging Artist program. Winning entries are displayed in a traveling exhibit that visits galleries, museums, and school throughout the U.S., including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, and the John Welsely Powell Memorial Museum.

Will my artwork be returned to me?
Because we receive hundreds of entries, we are unable to return all of the art we receive. If you would like your artwork returned, please mark your entry clearly stating you would like it returned and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

What size should my artwork be?
All artwork must be no larger than 11 by 17 inches and must be two-dimensional. Because winning entries are matted and framed to be displayed at locations throughout the U.S., they must fit within these guidelines.

What type of art can I submit?
An entry may take the form of:

• Painting (acrylic, oil, water color, gouache, casein, tempera, etc.)
• Drawing (pencil, ink, pastel, charcoal, crayon, etc.)
• Printmaking (lithography, intaglio, etching, silkscreen, woodcut, etc.)
• Mixed Media (collage, ledger art, etc.)
• Photography (film or digital; black and white or color)
• Computer Art (artwork created with software on a computer, including heavily manipulated photography)

Complete Artist Rules


In what format should I submit my essay?
Entry for the writing category will be submitted in the following format:

• Personal narrative
• 1-2 pages, double spaced, 12 point font
• Typed (any hard-to-read submissions will not be accepted)

Complete Writing Rules


Additional questions? Contact the SAC Coordinator at sac@indianeducation.org or  1-877-528-4025.