This theme invites young artists to step into the fascinating world of dreams and nightmares, where reality blends with imagination. Dreams can be peaceful, strange, or filled with wonder, while nightmares bring out fears and things that make us uneasy. Both dreams and nightmares are windows into our subconscious minds, offering a chance to explore our hopes, fears, and everything in between. By creating artwork inspired by their dreams or nightmares, young artists can bring their wildest visions to life on the canvas.

Click HERE for more inspiration

September 27th: Entries due at RRVM

October 1st: Private opening for artists and parents

October 2nd - 25th: Art Show open to public

October 25: Award Presentation at 12:45 (kids get in free!)

October 25: Art Show entries picked up at the RRVM

Youngster (ages 5-7) 

Elementary (ages 8-11)    

Middle School (ages 12-14)

High School (ages 15-17)

1. Create 1-2 artworks based on the theme "Dreams & Nightmares."

2. Submit your artwork:

• Drop it off at the Red River Valley Museum (4600 College Drive, Vernon, TX 76384)

• Or leave it with staff at the Vernon Boys & Girls Club.

3. Prepare your artwork:

• Frame or mat any artwork that is not on canvas or sculptural.

• For assistance, please email Cooper at cooper@rrvmuseum.org.

4. Optional: Write a short artist’s statement to accompany your piece.

• - Attach it to the back of the artwork or email to cooper@rrvmuseum.org

5. Write the following information on the back of your artwork or an accompanying slip of paper:

• Artist’s name

• Artists age

• Parent/guardian name

• Email

• Phone number

• Title of art work

• Type of media used to create artwork (acrylic paint, watercolors, pencil, clay, ect)

Overall Best in Show: $150

Rising Star: $75

Viewers Choice: $75

First Place: $100 (given in each age bracket)

Second Place: $50 (given in each age bracket)

Third Place: $25 (given in each age bracket)

Awards will be presented on October 26th

1. Originality: Artwork must be entirely created by the youth artist’s own talents. Pieces created under instruction or workshop settings are not eligible.

2. Permitted Media: All types of art media are accepted except AI-generated art. The RRVM reserves the right to disqualify any artwork found to be AI-generated or not created by the child who entered.

3. Content: The RRVM reserves the right to withhold display of artwork with graphic content. While we respect artistic expression, we must keep the gallery space accessible to all ages; therefore, we cannot display nudity or excessive bloody/violent imagery in this show.

4. Age Requirement: Artists must be under 18 years of age when submitting their artwork. Artists aged 18+ are encouraged to enter our adult art show.

5. Submission Deadline: All entries are due by September 27, 2025. Early submissions are welcome!

6. Framing & Presentation: Artwork not on canvas or sculptural must be framed or matted. If your artist needs help with this requirement, please email cooper@rrvmuseum.org.

7. Limit on Entries: Each artist may submit a maximum of two entries.

8. Artist Statements (Optional): Including a brief artist’s statement about the piece is encouraged, but not required. Please attach a printed or written statement to the back of the artwork or email it to cooper@rrvmuseum.org.

9. Handling & Liability: While every effort will be made to handle artwork carefully, the RRVM is not liable for any potential damage to artwork during handling or display.

10. Permission to Display Online: By entering the show, you grant RRVM permission to photograph and share images of the artwork on social media, the RRVM website, and other promotional materials.

11. Artwork Pickup: Artwork is expected to be removed from the museum immediately following the award ceremony on October 25, 2025 unless other arrangements have been made with museum staff. Any artwork not collected by January 1st, 2026 will be considered forfeit and will become property of the Red River Valley Museum. The museum reserves the right to display, sell, donate, or dispose of unclaimed artwork as it deems appropriate.