What part of America tells your story? As we approach our nation's 250^th birthday, the library invites you to showcase the locations that define the American experience. From the skyline of a bustling city to the quiet beauty of a local park or a historic landmark, we want to see your interpretation of the "Places of America."

To ensure a welcoming celebration for everyone, please focus your work on landscapes, locations, and geography. Pick up your pencils, paints, pastels, crayons, markers, and more—only physical, non-digital artwork will be accepted! Pick up entry forms at the Sierra Vista Public Library or download the "Places of America" entry form.

Contest Rules

• Open to all Cochise County residents. Artwork will be judged in the following age groups: 0-5, 6-11, 12-17, and 18 plus.

• Deadline: June 13, 2026

• Artwork must be no larger than 11 x 14 inches and flat (not folded). Folded entries will not be judged.

• The library reserves the right to decline entries that do not adhere to the theme of American locations or that include partisan political content.

• You must submit a brief written Artist’s Statement with your entry that describes how the theme relates to your creation.

• Fully complete and securely attach the Authorization Form on the back of your entry. Artist’s Statements and Authorization Form must be included with each entry, or your work will be disqualified.

• All entries must be the artist’s original work and not include copyrighted images or AI.

• If your entry includes glitter, it must be static and securely adhered to the piece.

• If you choose to use chalk or pencil, please make sure your work is able to be reproduced and encase it in a sleeve to prevent smearing.

• If your artwork is abstract, please mark the TOP with an “X” on the back.

• Each artist may only submit one entry.

• Submission winners will be displayed on the Gallery Wall from July 1 to July 31, 2026

• Artwork can be picked up in the month of August.

Entries can be delivered by hand or mailed to: Capture Our Country! The "Places of America 250" Art Contest, c/o Sierra Vista Public Library, 2600 E Tacoma St, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635