California Coastal Commission Opens Annual Student Art Contest

The state agency is now accepting creative entries from K-12 students through late January.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration showing an artist's easel on a sandy beach with coastal cliffs and ocean waves in the background. — The California Coastal Commission has opened its annual student art and poetry contest, inviting K-12 participants to submit creative works by late January. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe local art and poetry contests are valuable for student development in your community?

The California Coastal Commission has officially opened its annual art and poetry contest for students in grades K-12 across the state. Participants are invited to submit their creative works through an online portal or via mail before the upcoming winter deadline.

Why it matters

This long-standing competition aims to engage young Californians with the state coastline through artistic expression. Winning entries and honorable mentions will be displayed in a traveling exhibit that highlights the natural beauty of the region.

The contest features five distinct grade-level categories for K-12 entrants. Prizes for individual winners include a $100 gift certificate and aquarium tickets, while teachers of winning students receive a $50 gift certificate.

The players

California Coastal Commission

This state agency is responsible for protecting and enhancing the California coastline through planning, regulation, and public outreach programs.

The details

Students may submit their art or poetry entries until the final deadline in January. Selected winners will have their work featured in a traveling exhibition, providing public exposure for their contributions to the annual program.

The contest entry deadline is Jan. 28, 2027, at 5 p.m.
Winning entries will be announced in April 2027.

Culture Shift

This initiative follows the mandate set by the California Coastal Act of 1976 to foster public appreciation for the shoreline. By involving K-12 students, the commission builds long-term civic engagement in environmental conservation and artistic expression.

K-12 students across California can prepare their art or poetry submissions for either online or mail delivery. Families and teachers should note the January deadline to ensure entries are submitted before the 5 p.m. cutoff.

The takeaway

Participating in state-sponsored creative contests provides students with an opportunity to have their work showcased in public exhibits. Interested families should focus on meeting the Jan. 28 submission requirements to remain eligible for prize consideration.