Rules, Awards, and Timeline
Submission Rules
- Artwork must adhere to the theme: Chasing the Unkown. Submissions are encouraged to incorporate personal experiences and historical aerospace achievements.
- Artwork must be an original piece completed solely by the student who is making a submission entry.
- Student must be either a Junior or a Senior at a Volusia or Flagler Public School.
- Each student can only submit 1 piece of artwork.
- Art pieces must be in the form of physical media or sculpture (i.e., paint, pencil, clay, mixed media, etc.). Unfortunately, digital artwork, photography, and performing arts will not be accepted.
- Each submission will need a short statement, 250-word maximum, describing the piece and how it adheres to the theme. Details about any personal or historical connections may be included and considered.
- Submissions sent via email will not be considered.
- A Volusia County or Flagler County teacher must attest to the piece’s originality and the student’s effort in crafting the submitted piece.
- A previous award winner (placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd) may not compete.
- Finalist 2D artwork cannot exceed 24” x 36” and must have standard mounting hardware. Finalist 3D artwork cannot exceed 24” x 24” x 24.”
- Winners will be chosen by a panel of pre-selected judges; all decisions of the judges are final.
- Submissions will be judged based on creativity, technical ability, adherence to the theme, and a statement corresponding to the art piece.
- Finalists will be given further direction for artwork submission to MOAS.
Awards
- First Place: $5000
- Second Place: $3000
- Third Place: $2000
- Other Finalists: $100
The work of 10-15 finalists will be showcased with an event at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. Submissions will then be showcased at Embry-Riddle’s Nicole Stott Art Gallery.
Finally, the top three winners and their families will be invited by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation to attend the Art Night event, a part of the Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. There, the winners will have the chance to engage with many retired astronauts, space artists, industry professionals, and more!
Timeline
- January 1, 2026: Announcement of Competition
- March 7, 2026: Submissions due
- March 21, 2026: Finalists Informed
- Early April, 2026: Evening Award Ceremony
- Early April to Mid April, 2026: Artwork Displayed at Nicole Stott Art Gallery