The Nacogdoches Arts Collaborative’s Falling Star Gallery is proud to announce an art competition and exhibition in honor of the 250th Birthday of the USA.
The idea came from the big brain of Terry (TL) Steed, who could quote the Constitution and tell you all about each amendment, including when it was ratified. When asked by his sister how to “do more than vote”, he said, “Well, you DO have an art gallery and America’s birthday is September 2026.”
An idea was born. Then in October 2025, TL passed after a brief illness. So the contest has become the TL Steed Memorial Constitution Competition & Exhibition: What the Constitution Means to Me. Before he exited, he donated the seed money for the prizes and suggested one of the jurors. First and foremost, TL would want you to read the Constitution and pick what moves you.
https://www.senate.gov/about/origins-foundations/senate-and-constitution/constitution.htm
DETAILS & RULES
Artists 16 and over are invited to enter original work in Falling Star Gallery’s “What the Constitution Means to Me” show, to be held August 22nd – September 19th, 2026. Entrants will choose a passage from the US Constitution (including the Bill of Rights and all amendments) and create a piece of art inspired by the passage.
Do NOT use current politicians blatantly. Clever artists can lay their thoughts between the lines. Any piece using images of politicians other than the founding fathers will find their pieces disqualified. No matter your politics, this contest is about the Constitution, which I think we all agree is dandy.
RULES
The gallery hopes to hang all entries that follow the rules.
- There is a $20 fee to enter. Artists may enter a maximum of two pieces, but each must be entered separately.
- Artists must register on our website www.nacartscollab.com/constitution, and pay their tax deductible fee using our Give Butter platform. If an artist does not have a computer or needs assistance, we will accept a hand completed entry form and $20 cash or check. Credit card payments only available on our website (which includes options for Paypal and Venmo). Questions? Contact our administrator at info@nacartscollab.com
Please register as early as possible so we have an idea what’s coming. - Finished entries must be delivered by August 22nd, 2026. Attach the Art ID form, which includes name & title and the passage from the Constitution that inspired your art. Mailed entries will also be accepted, but must be received by August 1st. Mailed entries must be registered prior to mailing. Send to: Constitution Show, AL Steed, 403 County Road 821, Nacogdoches, TX 75964. Roundtrip postage is up to you. Please advise by email if you have mailed an entry.
- Entries can be in any visual art form, 2D, 3D, written (such as poetry or song), or film (3 minute limit). However, any medium that requires a player or equipment, the equipment must be provided by you and will be returned at the end of the show. Any film, music or noisy piece will need headphones provided. The gallery owns a limited number of pedestals and easels.
- Any AI will be disqualified.
- Artwork must be ready to hang or display, wires, etc. Include any special instructions in writing.
- Though we do not have specific size restrictions, please remember that the space is limited and anything that is huge better be spectacular to be included. It is our hope to include as many entries as possible in the exhibition.
- This contest will be juried by members of the gallery’s exhibition committee and two attorneys involved in the arts. Entries will be judged based on creativity/uniqueness, interpretation of the theme, overall visual appeal.
- Cash and other prizes will be awarded. A minimum of $600 in cash will be awarded to 3 top winners (1st-$300, 2nd-$200, 3rd-$100). There will also be a People’s Choice award based on visitor votes. It is possible there will be additional prizes based on sponsorship opportunities.
- Your piece(s) can be for sale or not. You may retain ownership. IF it is for sale, the split is 40% to NAC, 60% to you, or you can donate your piece to NAC for sale or auction.
- There will be both opening and closing receptions and the show will be open for viewing on Saturdays from 11am-4pm, or by appointment.
- Winners will be announced August 15 at approximately 3:00pm.
NO GLITTER unless its REALLY ATTACHED, NO PERISHABLE ART,
No pornography (tasteful nudity ok), no hate talk of any kind and appropriate for high schoolers.
The address to deliver: 320 North street, Suite 307, Saturdays, 11-4 starting July 11th. Or by appointment, text 917-209-1050 or email info@nacartscollab.com. All delivered art must have an art form attached.
Register here: https://nacartscollab.com/constitution-show-registration
No obligation or liability is assumed by NAC in connection with the contest.
Deadline: 08/15/26
Location: Nacogdoches, TX
Website: https://nacartscollab.com/constitution-show-registration