What is the Montana Student Art Gallery?
The Montana Student Art Gallery is an annual statewide program hosted by the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) that celebrates the creativity and artistic talents of Montana students. Selected artwork will be displayed throughout the Office of Public Instruction building for one year.
2026–2027 Theme
Montana Through Your Eyes
Students are encouraged to think about the people, places, experiences, traditions, landscapes, and communities that make Montana special to them.
The program is open to all Montana students in:
- Public Schools
- Private Schools
- Charter Schools
- Homeschool Programs
Students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 are encouraged to participate.
Artwork will be reviewed within the following divisions:
- Primary: Kindergarten–Grade 2
- Elementary: Grades 3–5
- Middle School: Grades 6–8
- High School: Grades 9–12
Important Dates
- Program Announcement: September
- Submission Deadline: January 29, 2027
- Judging: February
- Selected Artists Notified: March
- Gallery Installation: April
- Recognition Event: Spring (Date to Be Announced)
Teacher Information
Frequently Asked Questions
A review committee consisting of OPI staff and Montana arts professionals will evaluate artwork based on:
- Creativity and originality
- Artistic skill and technique
- Overall presentation
- Interpretation of the annual theme (if applicable)
Selected artwork will:
- Be displayed throughout the Montana Office of Public Instruction building for approximately one year.
- Be recognized by the State Superintendent.
- Be featured through OPI communications and social media when appropriate.
- Receive an official Certificate of Recognition.
Yes. Unless otherwise arranged, artwork will be returned to the student or school after the annual exhibition concludes.
Selected artists will receive a Certificate of Recognition. Additional awards, including division recognitions or special honors, may also be presented.
Yes. OPI may host an annual recognition event for selected students and their families. Event details will be shared with participating schools and selected artists.
Students may submit original artwork in a variety of media, including:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Watercolor
- Colored Pencil
- Acrylic
- Pastel
- Charcoal
- Mixed Media
- Printmaking
- Digital Art
Photography, sculpture, and other media may be considered in future years.
Each student may submit one original artwork per program year.
Yes. All submissions must be the student's original work and created during the current school year.
Artwork may not contain copyrighted images, logos, or characters created by someone else.
Submission instructions, deadlines, and required forms will be available on the Montana Office of Public Instruction website.
No. There is no cost to participate.
Yes. Selected artwork may be photographed and used by the Montana Office of Public Instruction for educational, promotional, and communication purposes. Parent or guardian permission is required as part of the submission process.
The student retains ownership of their artwork. By participating, families grant OPI permission to display and photograph the artwork for program-related purposes.
OPI will take reasonable care in handling and displaying all artwork. However, by participating, families acknowledge that OPI cannot guarantee against accidental damage or loss during transportation, display, or return.
Selected students, families, and schools will be notified directly using the contact information provided on the submission form.