Visual Arts and Essay Contest

The 2026 Fountain Hills Visual Arts Contest (K–12) and Essay Contest (Grades 6–12) invite students to showcase their creativity. Presented by the Fountain Hills History and Culture Advisory Commission, these contests encourage students to create original artwork or write a thoughtful essay inspired by Fountain Hills history and culture. Join us in celebrating Historic Preservation Month this May. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, this contest also invites students to reflect on the history, people, and places that have shaped Fountain Hills.

Visual Arts Contest Topics

(K – 2nd, 3rd – 5th, 6th – 8th, 9th – 12th.)
In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, students are encouraged to explore Fountain Hills history and its connection to our shared American story through art and writing.

Students can showcase their visual arts skills (submittals can include a video, sketch, painting, 3D model, etc.) and learn more about Fountain Hills' history by submitting an art piece that falls within one of the following three topics:

What makes Fountain Hills important to you?
The Fountain and Fountain Park
A Historic Person/People of Fountain Hills or Fort McDowell

Essay Topics

(6th – 8th, 9th – 12th grades only)

Students can showcase their writing talents and learn more about Fountain Hills’ history by submitting an essay about one or more of the topics below. Contest entries must be a historical essay or a fictional story on one of the following three topics:

Historic Person/People in Fountain Hills or Ft. McDowell
What would I Put in a Time Capsule from Fountain Hills
What would a Cowboy from the P-Bar Cattle Ranch think if he saw Fountain Hills today.

Submissions:

All submissions are due by March 19, 2025

One entry per student.
Students in 6th-12th grade must choose to submit either an essay or an art piece; they cannot submit both.
Submit using the attached form or online at TBD

Eligibility:

All school-age Fountain Hills and Fort McDowell residents are eligible to apply!

Fountain Hills/Fort McDowell students in Kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible for the visual arts contest. Fountain Hills/Fort McDowell students in 6th through 12th grade are eligible for the essay AND visual arts contest.

How to Submit Your Visual Art or Essay

Submit the online form located HERE .
Projects are due by March 19 and should be turned in to the 2nd floor of the Fountain Hills Town Hall. Only submissions with submitted or attached forms will be accepted.
NOTE: Work that contains descriptions of violence or an act(s) of violence or harm to a person or animals will not be considered.

Winners, Ceremony & Prizes

One winner will be selected from each grade level category: 3rd Grade – 5th Grade, 6th Grade – 8th Grade, and 9th Grade – 12th Grade.
Winners will be recognized in May at a Town event, to be determined.