03/23/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jacksonville Arts Council Announces, “Art in the Heart of Children” Clothesline Art Show at Fair on the Square
Jacksonville, AL — The Jacksonville Arts Council is inviting young artists from across the community to participate in the “Art in the Heart of Children” Clothesline Art Show, which will take place during the annual Fair on the Square on Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The youth art contest is open to artists ages 5 to 18 and celebrates creativity while encouraging young people to explore and develop their artistic talents. Entries will be displayed outdoors during the fair in a traditional clothesline-style gallery, allowing visitors to walk through and enjoy the creations of local youth.
While the primary goal of the event is to celebrate the joy of creating art, the contest will also include awards. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded in each of three age divisions, with winners receiving Walmart gift cards.
Organizers emphasize that the event is meant to encourage creativity and artistic exploration.
“Art is about the pure enjoyment of making something,” organizers said. “Every artist develops their own style on their own timeline, and this event gives young creators the opportunity to share their work with the community.”
Entry Guidelines
To ensure artwork can be safely displayed on the clothesline gallery, the following guidelines apply:
• Artwork must be original and created by the student alone.
• Only one entry per artist is permitted.
• Artwork size must be between 8½ x 11 inches and 11 x 14 inches.
• Artwork must be light enough to be held by two clothespins.
• No framed pieces, raised elements, digital artwork, or wet paint will be accepted.
• Chalk or pastel artwork must be sealed to prevent damage.
Participants must write the following information printed clearly on the back of the artwork:
• First and last name
• Age
• Phone number
• Grade level (as if attending public school)
A small label will be placed on the lower front of each piece so friends and family can easily locate the artist’s work during the show.
Entry Deadline and Submission Location
All entries must be submitted by April 18 at the Jacksonville Community Center. A designated submission box will be located to the left of the front desk.
Participants are asked to place artwork gently on top of existing entries when submitting.
Artwork Pickup
Parents and guardians may collect artwork beginning at 2:00 PM on the day of the fair. The event concludes at 3:00 PM.
If artwork is not collected that day, it will be available for pickup at the Jacksonville Community Center front desk from May 5 through May 12.
Encouraging Creativity
The Jacksonville Arts Council hopes the event will inspire young artists to explore creativity beyond screens and discover a lifelong hobby.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for children to express themselves creatively and share their work with friends, family, and the community,” organizers said.
Families are encouraged to attend the fair and celebrate the talents of Jacksonville’s young artists.
