The Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA), the producer of Bayou City Art Festival, will announce the top 30 finalists for its 13th Annual Middle School Art Competition at the reception.

The Middle School Art Competition is an education initiative offered by ACA for students in grades 5-8 from Houston area private schools, charter schools, and public independent school districts. The art contest offers middle school students the opportunity to participate in a 2-D juried competition, have their art displayed in public, interact with working artists, and win prizes for themselves and their school’s art program.  

This year’s theme “Through My Eyes” invited students to share the world as they see it: their neighborhoods, their families, their challenges, their hopes, and the moments that shape their unique perspectives.

The public along with students, parents, teachers, and district representatives are invited to attend the reception and view artwork from more than 500 participating students. During the reception, light bites and refreshments will be served, and Houston artist Summer Lydick will be the featured guest speaker.

The top 30 finalists’ art will be on display at the Bayou City Art Festival Downtown on March 28-29, 2026.  The finalists’ artwork will also be posted for web-based voting to determine the "Nadia Community Choice Award". Online voting will take place February 10 through February 28, 2026, at www.bayoucityartfestival.com. Additionally, the finalists will receive tickets to the Downtown Spring Festival and a finalist award ribbon.   

ACA will announce 1st, 2nd and 3rd place along with the winner of the "Nadia Community Choice Award" at a special reception at Bayou City Art Festival on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 1 p.m.