Executive Director Dr. Daryl Ward called the competition a highlight of the museum's annual calendar, emphasizing the institution's commitment to showcasing regional excellence. Students from public, private, and homeschool settings will submit entries for adjudication, with top honors including Gold Key, Silver Key, and American Visions and Voices nominations.

Gold Key recipients will advance to national judging, where their work becomes eligible for the prestigious Art.Write.Now. showcase in New York. Locally, the museum will host a dedicated ceremony and exhibition to celebrate the winners. This initiative aligns with the museum’s broader mission as a Smithsonian Affiliate and the only nationally accredited visual arts organization in Polk County, following the recent expansion of its facility to include the Dr. Anne B. Kerr Wing.