FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — The 16th Annual Okaloosa County School Poster Contest will culminate with a free, family-friendly reception on Sunday, May 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Emerald Coast Science Center, the Okaloosa Arts Alliance has announced.
The event will feature all submitted student artwork on display, the announcement of contest winners, and a Viewers’ Choice Award where attendees can vote for their favorite piece. The reception will include live music by Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music and refreshments for guests.
This year’s contest theme is “Art in Outer Space,” encouraging K-12 students across Okaloosa County to explore the connection between creativity and the cosmos. Students may submit artwork individually or through their schools, with the submission deadline set for May 2.
The U.S. Space Force is also participating in the event, offering a unique educational experience about the role space plays in everyday life. Attendees can view “Always Above,” a 12-minute multimedia journey that takes audiences from the ocean floor to outer space.
Space Force volunteers will be on hand to speak with families, adding to the interactive nature of the event.
Awards will be presented for First, Second, and Third place in three grade categories: Elementary (K–4), Middle (5–8), and High School (9–12). First-place winners will be featured on the OAA website and in the organization’s newsletter.
Prizes are provided by Eglin Federal Credit Union, HH Arts, the Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach (ADSO), and the Emerald Coast Science Center.
Entries must include the student’s name, grade, and school on the front of the artwork. Submissions can be dropped off at the Emerald Coast Science Center during regular hours.
More details are available at www.okaloosaarts.org.
