America 250 Student Creative Arts Contest Finalists Announced

May 28, 2026

Discovery Park of America has announced the finalists for the America 250 Student Creative Arts Contest, with selected artwork to be displayed July 3-9 as part of the museum and heritage park’s “Celebrating 250 Years of Independence” programming. 

The contest invited students from across the region to create artwork inspired by the theme “What Does the American Dream Mean to You?” More than 100 entries were submitted, with a final count of 105 pieces of artwork representing a wide range of ages, perspectives and artistic styles. 

Finalists and their families are invited to attend the America 250 Student Creative Arts Contest Award Ceremony on Friday, July 3, at 2 p.m. at Discovery Park of America. The exhibit featuring finalist artwork will remain on display through July 9. 

The student art display is presented in conjunction with Discovery Park’s Independence Day weekend celebration and America 250 programming, funded in part by a Tennessee America 250 Grant from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. Guests attending the exhibit are also encouraged to enjoy Discovery Park’s July 3 “Celebrating 250 Years of Independence” event and the final Rhythm on the Rails concert of the season featuring Mo Pitney. 

Discovery Park would like to thank the judges who helped review submissions for this year’s contest, including Abi Hellmich from The Art Room in Union City, Kimberly Shaw from Art & Soul of Tennessee and Dylan Schaefer from Discovery Park of America. 

Discovery Park also thanks every student who participated in the contest and shared their creativity, talent and perspective through art. 

 

Finalists are listed below by grade division.