06/10/2026
Great opportunity for our artists out there!
Pollution and the litter problem in Mississippi is being addressed by a lot of people in a lot of important ways, and some think art has a part to play in the effort.
Art Doing Its Part is a statewide art and slogan competition aimed at personalizing the issue for communities by showcasing litter challenges specific to their regions, illustrating how local actions impact local and distant environments. The program is supported by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
“Mississippi and connecting water bodies face significant litter problems, much of which originate from inland areas,” said Erin Wallace, MSU Extension associate at the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. “Items like bottles, cigarette butts, straws and fragmented plastics travel through rivers, streams and stormwater systems to eventually reach coastal waters, affecting human health, local economies and aquatic life.
“Addressing this issue requires a statewide, collaborative approach, involving both inland and coastal communities,” she said.
The Art Doing Its Part effort is being championed by First Lady of Mississippi Elee Reeves.
“Mississippi is filled with natural beauty and talented artists of all ages,” Reeves said. “The Art Doing Its Part competition is a great way for young people to help keep Mississippi the most beautiful state in America.”
The Art Doing Its Part contest is a chance for ninth to 12th graders to lead the way in encouraging Mississippi residents and visitors to take pride in the state and actively participate in litter reduction, prevention and cleanup. The art competition is designed to raise awareness of the connection between local litter and the pollution of local and connecting waterways.
Teens are invited to develop a piece of artwork, a slogan or a short reflection that raises awareness about the connection between local litter and waterway pollution. Artwork must be submitted by Oct. 26, 2026, to the contact person and organization for their region.
Winners will be selected from seven regions of the state, and teens’ work will be featured in a statewide marketing campaign, including on billboards, T-shirts, a traveling art exhibit, outreach materials and a beach beautification project.
Find details, contest rules and additional information about Art Doing Its Part at https://msucoastal.com/artdoingitspart/. Extension’s Mississippi Sound Estuary Program and the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain are coordinating on this program.
