The Pima County Public Library is proud to announce the 31st Annual High School Art Invitational, a long-standing community exhibition celebrating the creativity, talent, and dedication of our local high school artists and their teachers.
We warmly invite high school art teachers of Pima County to participate by submitting student artwork for this year’s invitational. This exhibition has become a beloved annual tradition, showcasing a diverse range of media and artistic voices while giving students the meaningful experience of exhibiting their work in a professional, public setting.
About the Invitational
For more than three decades, the High School Art Invitational has highlighted outstanding student artwork from across the region. The exhibition provides students with:
- Public recognition of their artistic achievements
- Experience exhibiting in a gallery-style environment
- An opportunity to share their creative voices with the wider community
In addition, six participating classrooms will be selected to receive a set of art supplies as a prize, supporting continued creativity and arts education in our schools.
We welcome a wide variety of media, including (but not limited to) drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and digital art.
How to Participate
High school art teachers are invited to select and submit up to five pieces of student work that represents the creativity and skill of their program. Detailed submission guidelines, important dates, and installation information are available below.
Whether you are new to the invitational or a returning participant, we truly value your involvement and look forward to showcasing your students’ work.
Celebrate Student Creativity
The High School Art Invitational is not just an exhibition—it’s a celebration of arts education and the vital role teachers play in nurturing creative expression. We hope you’ll join us in continuing this meaningful tradition.
Art will be on display at the Joel D Valdez Main Library during the month of March.
For questions or additional information, please see instructions below, or contact the library at 520-794-4010.
We look forward to another inspiring year of high school student art at Pima County Public Library!
Instructions for submitting artwork:
- Each teacher can submit up to five pieces of artwork (one per student). No limit on size.
- In order to be accepted, each entry must be securely prepared for 2D wall display (wired or hanger firmly attached) or 3D standing display (assembled and stable). Please secure matting and frames.
- Each teacher must complete and sign the Art Inventory Form.
- Each parent or guardian must complete and sign a Consent to Use Form.
- Each participating student must complete the High School Art Invitational Entry Form and attach it firmly to the back or bottom of the piece of artwork.
- Entries, and all forms, must be delivered by the teacher to the Information Desk on the first floor of the Joel D Valdez Main Library, (101 N Stone Ave) Thursday, Feb 19 – Thursday, Feb 26, 2026 during regular business hours: Mon 10-6, Tues- Thurs 9-6, Fri 10-5.
- Entries will NOT be accepted directly from students.
All participating teachers, students, and their family and friends are invited to the High School Art Invitational!
Reception and Awards Ceremony, March 25 4;30-5:30, Joel D Valdez Main Library Children’s meeting room.
Please plan on picking up your students' artwork during the first week of April from the 2nd floor of the library during regular library hours.
We look forward to receiving your student entries!
Check out some the winning artwork from 2025
Inside, Outside by SonaliInside, Outside by Sonali
Star Struck by SebastianStar Struck by Sebastian
Submerged by MicaelaSubmerged by Micaela
The Elephants are Fading by AlexisThe Elephants are Fading by Alexis
The Unnamed Star by XanderThe Unnamed Star by Xander
438 Cranes by Sabina438 Cranes by Sabina
