2026 Theme is Here!
The theme for 2026 is “From Soil to Sky: Ag Shapes our Environment” This is an opportunity for students to learn about Agriculture as a leading industry and how it can impact our lives. Agriculture connects every part of our world – from the ground beneath our feet to the open skies above us. This theme invites you to explore how farming, ranching, natural resources, and food production impact our environment, our communities, and our future. Think of the journey: seeds planted in the soil, crops growing toward the sky, animals and ecosystems working together, farmers using technology, and the way agriculture sustains life on Earth. You’re encouraged to show this connection in any style, any mood, and from any viewpoint – realistic, abstract, futuristic, or personal.
Who Can Participate?
Any 3rd – 12th grade public, private, and homeschooled student enrolled in the following counties:
– Shelby (TN)
– Tipton (TN)
– Fayette (TN)
– Crittenden (AR)
-Desoto (MS)
Art Categories
Students are eligible to submit one entry in each of the following categories:
1. Drawing
2. Photography
3. Painting
4. Graphic Design
5. Short Video
Guidelines for each category is listed below.
Grade Divisions
Division 1: 3rd – 6th Grade
Division 2: 7th – 9th Grade
Division 3: 10th – 12th Grade
Prizes
Monetary prizes for both winning students and teachers of winning students will be awarded!
1st Place winner in each division: $400
2nd Place winner in each division: $200
3rd Place winner in each division: $100
These winning students and their families will be invited to attend Ag Day Celebration in March 2026 to be recognized!
Teacher Prizes
$250 will be awarded to teachers of each 1st Place winner!
Each awarded teacher and their families will be invited to attend the Ag Day Celebration in March 2026 to be recognized!
Teacher Prize Drawing
One name will be drawn to receive a $500 prize! Only teachers submitting artwork from students in the counties listed above qualify. Teacher will receive one entry per student entered in the contest. Entry begins at the start of this years’ contest announcement and ends March 13, 2026 at 4:30pm!
The decision of the judges will be final. Students and teachers do not need to be present to win.
All submissions must be new and original art designed by the student. An adult cannot help or alter the integrity of a student’s work. Children of sponsors are not eligible to participate.
Below are the guidelines and requirements for each category.
Drawing & Painting Guidelines
Traditional media categories include Drawing, Painting and Collage. Original work must not exceed 11 X 14 inches. Your entry must include a completed entry form and an artist statement. Please attach the statement and entry form to the back of your entry. Your Artist Statement should be at least 3 sentences, but no more than 200 words to communicate what inspired the work, how it relates to the theme, and the content of the work.
Photography Guidelines
Photography work includes color or black and white on 8.5 X 11 inch photo paper. Please do NOT frame or mount photography submissions. Photographs must be taken by the student and associated with the theme. Your entry must include a completed entry form and an artist statement. Please attach the statement and entry form to the back of your entry. Your Artist Statement should be at least 3 sentences, but no more than 200 words to communicate what inspired the work, how it relates to the theme, and the content of the work.
Graphic Design Guidelines
Graphic design work must be developed by original media and is defined as the use of computer media and innovative computer applications to art. Original artwork must be 8.5 X 11 inches. Please do not mat graphic design work. Your entry must include a completed entry form and an artist statement. Please attach the statement and entry form to the back of your entry. Your Artist Statement should be at least 3 sentences, but no more than 200 words to communicate what inspired the work, how it relates to the theme, and the content of the work.
Short Video Guidelines
Video entries should be between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. Videos over 3 minutes will not be considered. Video quality should be 1080p or higher. Videos can be turned in on a jump drive or a link to the video can be emailed to: trobert6@utk.edu or krav@utk.edu. Your entry must include a completed entry form and an artist statement. Video entry statements and entry forms may be submitted via title screen in video, typed on paper and submitted with video on a USB drive, or emailed with video link. Either method must have all information that is found on the entry form. If background music is used, song(s) must be cited on entry form.
Please note: The use of copyrighted material (images) or trademarks (company names, logos, brands, etc.) is prohibited except for background music in video production entries. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified. Use of PowerPoint templates are prohibited. Entries must comply with all local and national laws of the United States. Content must not 1) promote illegal behavior; 2) support racial, religious, sexual or other invidious prejudice; 3) advocate sexual or violent exploitation; 4) violate rights established by law or agreements; 5) invade the privacy of any person; or 6) be otherwise inappropriate as determined by Agricenter in its sole and conclusive determination.
Submissions must be received no later than Friday, March 13, 2026.
Entry Submissions
Entries can be mailed or hand delivered to: Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Rd., Memphis, TN 38120. Video submissions can be mailed or hand delivered on a USB drive to the Agricenter at the address listed above. Video submissions will also be accepted via links sent to Tim Roberts at trobert6@utk.edu or Kelly Ravlija at krav@utk.edu. Hand delivered entries must be submitted during the normal business hours of 8:00 am until 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, to the Agricenter Administrative Offices.
Questions? Call us at 901-757-7777 or email us below!
2025 Ag Day Art Contest Winners
Division I Winners
Agastya Rana
Bailey Station Elementary
Juliette Gwaltney
Homelife Academy
Hugh Gabb
Farmington Elementary
Division II Winners
Alice Fu
Homelife Academy
Joseph Dunn
Arlington Middle School
Aubrey Woodson
Arlington Middle School
Division III Winners
London Christian
Homelife Academy
Meiya Rollins
Arlington High School
Ielvinesha Nelson
City University School
2024 Ag Day Celebration
Ag Day Presentation from Shelby County Healthy Living Ambassador and 4-H Member Gabrielle Lewis!
Congratulations!
Exhibit Area and Ice Social
2024 Ag Day Teacher
$500 Prize Winner! Congratulations to Ms. Diane!
By submitting any artwork to the Agricenter International for the Student Art Contest and Exhibition, entrants accept and agree to be bound by the official rules for participation as well as the entry requirements for their specific art categories and division. Student may only submit piece of artwork within each of the art categories. Any violation of these rules may, at the Agricenter’s discretion, result in disqualification. All decisions of the Agricenter International regarding this program are final and binding in all respects. All entries become the property of Agricenter International and cannot be returned. Entries may be exhibited at Agricenter International’s discretion and may be auctioned at a fundraiser for a community event.