2026 Famous African American Portrait Contest

2026 marks the 31st year of St. Louis Public Schools’ 'Famous African-Americans Portraits Art Competition,' and SLPS is proud to co-host this year’s contest with the National Blues Museum. The participating high school art scholars have researched the background of a famous African-American musician and created an artistic depiction of the musician.

Due to technical issues, we have had to relaunch the voting process. If you already voted before 2/12/2026, we invite you to vote again. Voting will close on February 28th.

Contest entries are in the gallery below and all students, parents, staff, and community members are invited to vote for their favorite two artworks on this FORM throughout the month of February.

PLEASE CAST ONLY ONE BALLOT

Winners will be announced in early March and will receive cash prizes at a ceremony and concert at the Nation Blues Museum (date TBD).

1st Place Winner $1,000.00
2nd Place Winner $500.00
3rd Place Winner $200.00
Honorable Mention $100.00
Honorable Mention $100.00
Honorable Mention $100.00