Art Contest

2027 USB Calendar High School Art Contest

 

Calling all Lake & Sumter County high school artists—submit your original artwork for a chance to be featured in USB’s 2027 Wall Calendar and win $100*!

 
 
Submit Your Entry                       Download Official Rules
 

About the Contest

Win Some Cash and Have Your Artwork Published

Each year, United Southern Bank creates and distributes over 7,000 custom calendars to customers and community members throughout Central Florida. For our 2027 calendar, USB wants to celebrate student artists by featuring their artwork in the Calendar. Thirteen winners will receive a $100 cash prize* and have their artwork featured inside or on the cover of the 2027 calendar. The winners and their artwork will also be celebrated at a gallery reception and have their artwork displayed at a USB branch. 

1. Who Can Enter

  • The contest is open to Lake or Sumter County, Florida residents who are currently enrolled* in grades 9 through 12 at any public, private, or homeschool program.
  • Two entries are allowed per student. Collaborative works are not accepted.
  • Parent/guardian consent is required if under 18.

2. Theme

There is no set theme for this contest; however, there will be a strong preference for work that reflects community, culture, nature, or everyday life in Central Florida. (No explicit, violent, or offensive content.)

3. Artwork Guidelines

  • Original work only. No AI-generated, traced, or derivative works.
  • Artwork must be the student’s original, two‑dimensional creation in a traditional medium such as acrylic, watercolor, oil, pastel, graphite, charcoal, marker, or mixed media.
  • Required size: 8.5 X 11 inches in landscape view to support the layout of the calendar.
  • Artwork must be flat, unframed, and ready for handling (dry and stable). 
  • The artist’s name or signature must not appear anywhere on the front of the artwork. 
  • Entries must be appropriate for a family audience. 

Please read the full Official Rules document prior to submission!

4. How to Enter

  1. Read the Rules: Download and review the Official Rules PDF.
  2. Prepare Your Work: Follow the Artwork Guidelines with the Official Rules PDF.
  3. Complete the Entry Form: Print and complete the Entry Form and submit it with your artwork in person at any United Southern Bank branch between November 1, 2025 through May 1, 2026.
  4. Deliver your artwork and your completed Entry Form to a USB branch near you.


Submit Your Entry                       Download Official Rules

 

 


Important Info to Keep in Mind

Please be sure to read the Official Rules prior to entering the contest. Below is some additional important information to keep in mind.

1. Important Dates

  • Entry Window: Entry window: November 1, 2025 – May 1, 2026. Artwork must be hand-delivered to a USB branch during that branch’s regular operating hours (hours vary by location).

  • Judging Window: Judging will occur in May 2026.

  • Winners Notified: Selected artists will be notified by May 31, 2026.

  • Gallery Reception & Calendar Reveal: Date TBD in September 2026.

  • Community Choice Award: A separate Community Choice Award will take place on or before October 15, 2026, allowing the public to vote for their favorite piece from the 2027 USB Art Contest winners. The artwork receiving the most votes will earn the Community Choice Award and an additional prize.

2. Usage & Permissions

By entering, students (and parents/guardians, if applicable) grant USB a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to reproduce submitted work in print/digital calendar materials, contest promotion, bank channels, press, and social media, with credit to the artist. All rights otherwise remain with the artist. Works will be returned per the process in the Official Rules.

3. Accessibility & Accommodations

USB welcomes all eligible students. If you need accommodation for submission or display, please contact Kasey Hobbs at kasey.hobbs@unitedsouthernbank.com or call (352) 669-2121.

4. Contact Information

Questions? Email Kasey Hobbs at kasey.hobbs@unitedsouthernbank.com or call (352) 669-2121.

Media inquiries: Email Ali Bias at ali@apcbs.com.

*See Official Rules for full eligibility, judging criteria, and prize details.