White House Historical Association to Host Student Art Competition: "The White House: An American Story"
Washington, D.C. —
Beginning February 1, the White House Historical Association (WHHA) will accept submissions for a new student-driven art competition with the theme, “The White House: An American Story.” To honor the vision of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and celebrate its 60th anniversary, the Association is seeking submissions from K-12 students from across the nation that depict and reflect the White House, its collection, and its diverse history.
Students are invited to submit a digital image of their artwork and a statement of up to 500 characters about the inspiration of the artwork and how it represents the White House and its history. Acceptable mediums include paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, original photography, and computer-generated art.
“As part of our 60th anniversary, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase talented young artists and highlight their interpretations of the important legacy of the People’s House,” said Stewart D. McLaurin, President of the Association. “We look forward to this artwork helping others learn more about the important role of the White House in our nation’s history."
Participants may submit their artwork until May 7, 2021. Works will be separated into three grade-level categories: K-3rd, 4th-8th and 9th-12th. Judges will award first place, second place, and third place prize winners, who will receive cash prizes of $1000, $500, and $250, respectively.
A panel of three judges will evaluate the submissions and winners will be announced in July 2021 as part of the White House Historical Association’s annual celebration of Mrs. Kennedy’s birthday. The contest will be judged in part by Simmie Knox, whose paintings made history as the first official White House portraits of President and First Lady Clinton created by a Black artist and are featured in the Association’s “Diversity in White House Art" collection. Other judges include author and esteemed curator Betty Monkman and Katherine Gilliland, who has served as docent manager at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum since 2005.
Read more about the competition here. For more details about submissions, see the frequently asked questions.
For media inquiries, please contact press@whha.org.
P.D.F. Resources
Download the PDFAbout the White House Historical Association
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.
To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.
