Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Art Contest
Scholarship Sponsored by Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Overview
The Stock Show Art Contest invites Texas youth to submit original artworks that depict or express the culture of Texas and western environments. The program accepts entries from children and teens and displays every submission during the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Entry is free, and each submission receives two one-day admission passes. The contest provides exposure for young artists and integrates student work into a major public exhibition.
Description: Open to Texas residents ages 5–18, the contest showcases a broad range of artistic styles and places entries on public display for the 23-day event.
- Open to Texas youth ages 5–18
- Every entry exhibited during the 23-day Stock Show
- Free entry with two one-day passes per submission
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on age and residency: the primary art contest is open to youth who live in Texas and are between the ages of 5 and 18. Submissions must be original works created by the entrant. Specific variants of the program, such as the Gary L. Wilson Photography Contest, have additional rules and restrictions that differ from the general art contest.
Eligibility: General art contest — Texas residents ages 5–18; consult specific contest rules for any additional or separate eligibility requirements.
- General contest: Texas residents, ages 5–18
- Works must be original and created by the entrant
- Separate contests may impose different eligibility rules
Awards & Prizes
The program awards significant cash and scholarship prizes to participating students and teachers. More than $80,000 is distributed across cash awards and scholarships, and there is a dedicated classroom prize for teachers. These awards are intended to support student advancement and classroom resources tied to arts education.
Award Value: Over $80,000 in combined cash and scholarship awards; teachers can win $6,000 for their classrooms.
- More than $80,000 in cash and scholarships
- Teachers eligible for a $6,000 classroom prize
- Awards support student development and classroom needs
Entry Details
Entering the contest is free and straightforward: submit original artwork according to the contest guidelines and each accepted entry receives two one-day admission passes to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Every accepted entry will be exhibited for the duration of the event, providing public exposure for young artists. Specific submission formats, deadlines, and limits are defined for individual contest categories, so entrants should consult the applicable rules before submitting.
Application Details: Free entry, two one-day passes per submission, and guaranteed exhibition during the 23 days of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.
- Free to enter
- Two one-day admission passes provided per accepted entry
- All entries displayed during the 23-day event
Gary L. Wilson Photography Contest
New for the 2027 program, the Gary L. Wilson Photography Contest is a scholarship-focused photography category with specific entry restrictions. It provides $20,000 in scholarship prizes and is limited to the first 250 digital entries, with one entry permitted per student. This category requires digital submission and is restricted to Texas high school students; photo releases are required when identifiable people appear in submissions.
Eligibility: Must be a Texas high school student to enter; one entry per student; first 250 entries accepted.
Award Value: $20,000 in scholarship prizes available for this photography contest.
- $20,000 in scholarship prizes for photography
- Digital submissions only; one entry per student
- First 250 entries accepted; photo releases required for identifiable people (Photo Release Form)
Subject / Theme
The contest accepts a wide range of artistic styles that reflect Texas and western environments, both contemporary and historical. Accepted styles include traditional, abstract, realism, contemporary, and impressionism, provided the work conveys aspects of Texas culture or western life. Entries may depict landscapes, wildlife, livestock, agriculture, ranching activities, iconic Fort Worth scenes, or everyday interactions between people and animals in western settings.
Description: Works should depict or express Texas culture and western environments across a variety of styles and subject matters.
- Styles accepted: traditional, abstract, realism, contemporary, impressionism
- Subjects include landscapes, wildlife, livestock, agriculture, ranching, and Fort Worth scenes
- Both contemporary and historical interpretations are welcome