"Historical Coventry: A Celebration in Art" Student Art Contest
A collaboration of the Coventry Historic Preservation Commission, Paine House (WRICHC), Coventry Public Library, Nathanael Greene Homestead, Parks & Recreation & the Town of Coventry.
Historical Coventry: A Celebration in Art!
In celebration of "Rhode Island 250," the 250th anniversary of the signing of the nation's Declaration of Independence, Coventry is holding a town-wide student art contest for grades Kindergarten - 12th grade, culminating in an art reception extravaganza!
Winners will receive gift cards, trophies, and medals! Art submissions will be displayed, and a panel of jurors will choose a first, second, and third prize winner for each category.
RI250 is one event out of many local events that are part of the state celebration, including Coventry's Summer Fest & Parade and a multitude of historic-based programming at the Coventry Public Library, Paine House, and Nathanael Greene Homestead. More information can be found here.
Theme & Art Media:
In the spirit of RI250, the theme is "Historical Coventry: A Celebration in Art" and we encourage submissions to be based on any aspect of Coventry history, from any time period. Students may submit art work in various media (painting, sculpture, pastels, drawings, 2D, 3D, multimedia, etc.), with certain height / width and weight limitations (more information coming soon). Submissions will be judged, and awards will be based on, relevancy to the historical theme and originality.
We understand that "Historical Coventry" is a broad theme, and encourage students to explore any aspect of our local history in your work of art, including people, buildings, landscapes, events, etc. For inspiration, chat with your family, friends, teachers, and librarians! The Coventry Public Library has many books on local history, so come by for some inspiration!
Criteria, Judging & Prizes:
There are 5 grade categories, for students in grades K - 12 who live in Coventry:
Category A: Kindergarten and Elementary Schools, K - 2nd grades
Category B: Middle Schools, 6th - 8th grades
Category C: Elementary Schools, 3rd - 5th grades
Category D: High school, 9th - 10th grades
Category E: High school, 11th - 12th grades
People's Choice: All attendees on Tuesday, May 19th will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite art work! The winner of the People's Choice award will have their art work printed on a special edition library card that will be issued to Coventry Public Library cardholders!
Prizes will include a trophy and gift card for first prize winners in each category, a medal and gift card for 2nd prize winners in each category, and a certificate and small gift card for 3rd prize winners in each category. The People's Choice winner will be tallied and announced that evening and the recipient will be awarded a medal and small gift card.
Submissions that are traced or use AI are not allowed and will not be judged. Photography is also not permitted. One submission per student.
A panel of 5 jurors comprised of Town and Library officials, the Paine House, and Nathanael Greene Homestead will choose winning art submissions based on the criteria. Trophies and prizes will be awarded at 6:30 p.m. on the night of the Art Show & Reception, Tuesday, May 19th, 2026.
Submission Deadline:
Art work must be submitted to the Coventry Public Library, 1672 Flat River Road, Coventry RI, between Monday, April 20th - Sunday, May 3rd during the library's open hours. Library open hours are as follows:
| Monday - Thursday | 9 am - 8 pm |
| Friday - Saturday | 9 am - 5 pm |
| Sundays | 12 pm - 4 pm |
Art Show & Reception - One Night Only! Tuesday, May 19th, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Join us for the Art Show & Reception, where all submitted qualifying art work will be on display - for one night only! Students, family and friends are welcome to join us on Tuesday, May 19th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at The Community Learning Center (previously called the Annex) at 1675 Flat River Road (across the street from the Town Hall / Library).
Finger sandwiches, light refreshments, and cookies will be served.
Winners will be announced and awarded prizes at 6:30 p.m. We encourage all students who submitted art work to attend, along with their friends and families. Winners do not have to be present to win, but are strongly encouraged to attend the Art Show & Reception.
With questions, please contact askreference@coventrylibrary.org or call 822-9105.