Students In Partnership with the Dunbar Festival Committee and the School District of Lee County
Submission Deadline: Friday, December 19, 2025, by 5:00 PM
Bridging the Gap Center for the Arts, in collaboration with the Dunbar Festival Committee and the School District of Lee County, proudly presents the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Art Contest, inviting all Lee County students—from kindergarten through 12th grade—to participate, including homeschool and charter school students.
This year’s theme draws inspiration from Dr. King’s enduring message of perseverance:
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
Dr. Martin Luther King
Students are encouraged to bring this message to life by illustrating their personal interpretation of resilience, determination, and hope.
Artwork may be created in paint, ink, pencil, colored pencil, mixed media, digital media, or crayon on paper sized between 8½×11 and 11×17 inches (please do not fold entries).
All submissions will be showcased during the MLK Day Celebration at Centennial Park on January 19, 2026, where division winners will be announced and awards presented.
About the MLK Art Contest
The MLK Art Contest aims to honor Dr. King’s legacy while encouraging students to explore how his message connects to their own lives, families, and communities. By using art as a vehicle for reflection and expression, this event helps nurture empathy, creativity, and civic engagement among Lee County youth.
This initiative is made possible through the partnership of Bridging the Gap Center for the Arts, the Dunbar Festival Committee, the School District of Lee County, the Alliance for the Arts, the Lee County Public Library, and the Lee County Black History Society.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Organizations, businesses, and individuals are invited to support this meaningful community program through sponsorships. Sponsorship opportunities help fund student prizes, art supplies, and event programming—ensuring access to the arts for all.
For sponsorship information email info@btgart.org or contest details, visit www.btgart.org
Contest Divisions
- Elementary: Grades K–5
- Middle School: Grades 6–8
- High School: Grades 9–12
Prizes
- 1st Place: $200
- 2nd Place: $150
- 3rd Place: $100
Drop-off Locations:
- Alliance for the Arts – 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
- Lee County Black History Society – 1936 Henderson Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916
- Fort Myers Regional Library – 2450 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901
- Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library – 3095 Blount St, Fort Myers, FL 33916
