Make Your Mark: Art & Photo Contest

Enter by June 15

Overview

Purpose: The Make Your Mark: Art & Photo Contest encourages Youth creativity and celebrates the American Paint Horse

Are you an aspiring artist or a Paint Horse paparazzo? Showcase your talent, win awards and let thousands of people see your artwork and photos at the APHA World Show by participating in our Make Your Mark: Art & Photo contest!

Eligibility

To be eligible:

AjPHA membership is required
Two age divisions, based on your age as of January 1
- 13 & Under
- 14–18
All entries must be original and solely created by the Youth submitting the piece

Rules

Rules vary by class; please review the criteria for each divison carefully before submission.

All entries must be mailed to APHA and postmarked by June 15.

American Paint Horse Association

Attn: Youth Department

122 E. Exchange Ave, Ste 420

Fort Worth, TX 76164

Art Contest

All artwork must be original and created by the Youth member submitting the entry.
Subject: The artwork must feature a registered Paint Horse.
- The artwork may also include other animals or people.
- If people are part of the artwork, a model release (included with the entry form) must accompany the submission.
Size: Artwork must be a minimum of 4″ x 4″ and maximum 24″ x 24″
Accepted Mediums: Pen and ink, pencil, crayon, acrylic, watercolor, oil paints, colored pencil, pastels, chalk and charcoal.
- Mediums that are prone to smudging, must be sprayed with a fixative and submitted with a protective cover.
Artwork must be two-dimensional; no clay or sculptures are accepted.
Entry Limits: Applicants may submit only one art entry.
Judging: Judging is based on the rubric attached to the entry form.
Artwork must be signed, and an entry form must be attached to the back of the piece.
APHA and/or APHA’s partners may use artwork and prints in any manner for display, promotion or publication.
No entries are accepted by email.
Upon request, artwork entries will be returned, and winning entries may be retained for approximately one year for display purposes.
Applicants are only be eligible for one prize, regardless of number of entries they submit between the art and photography contests.

Photo Contest

All photos must be original and created by the Youth member submitting the entry.
Subject: The photo must feature a registered Paint Horse.
- The photo may also include other animals or people.
- If people are part of the artwork, a model release (included with the entry form) must accompany the submission.
Size: Photos must be submitted as an 8″x10″
Photos can be submitted in black and white or color.
Entry Limits: Applicants may submit up to three entries.
Judging: Judging is based on the rubric attached to the entry form.
The entry form must be attached to the back of the photo.
APHA and/or APHA’s partners may use artwork and prints in any manner for display, promotion or publication.
No entries are accepted by email.
APHA retains ownership of photographs; no photography entries will be returned.
Applicants are only be eligible for one prize, regardless of number of entries they submit between the art and photography contests.

Show Off Your Talent!

Unleash your creativity and share your passion for Paint Horses through art or photography. Enter today for a chance to be recognized and celebrated by the APHA community!

Awards

In each age group:

1st Place: $150
2nd Place: $125
3rd Place: $100
4th Place: $75
5th Place: $50

Winning entries are displayed on the APHA website.

2025 Top 3

Learn more about our 2025 winners here.

Art Contest: 14–18

Art Contest: 13 & Under

Photo Contest: 14–18

Photo Contest: 13 & Under

Coloring Contest

The AjPHA Coloring Contest takes place during the APHA World Championship Show—you’re invited to participate, whether you’re at the show or by emailing your entry.

Download the coloring page for your age division (will be posted in June).
- 7 & Under
- 8-13
- 14-18
Show off your artistic talents by coloring that page.
Submit your masterpiece! If you are at the World Show, pin it to the board. If you’re at home, scan or take a picture of the page and send to the Director of Youth & Amateur Activities.
Watch for the winners! The winning artwork from each division is shared on APHA’s social media!