Student Holiday Card Art Contest

Middle and High School Students Invited to Illustrate ARF’s 2026 Holiday Card

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF Hamptons),in collaboration with Guild Hall, is calling on the creativity of local young artists 2^nd Annual ARF Holiday Card Contest. Following last year's success where 12-year-old winner Lily Limonius went on to be featured as ARF’s 2026 Bow Wow Meow Ball artist, the contest once again invites participants to illustrate artwork for ARF’s official holiday card, spreading cheer while celebrating the animals waiting for adoption at the ARF Adoption Center.

Open to all students in grades 6–12, this year’s challenge asks artists to illustrate one ARF dog and one ARF cat currently available for adoption. The winning artwork will be featured on ARF’s professionally printed2026 holiday card and mailed to ARF supporters across the community.

SUBMISSION GUILDLINES

• Open to students in grades 6–12.

• Theme: Holiday spirit paired with ARF’s mission of giving animals a second chance.

• Requirements Artwork must illustrate one ARF dog and one ARF cat - photos and bios available at arfhamptons.org/adopt

• Medium: No AI-generated work permitted; original artwork only (drawing, painting, or digital illustration)

• Format: 5x7 vertical or horizontal design; submitted as JPEG or PDF, 300 dpi minimum.

• Limit: One entry per student.

• Submissions due by Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM via email to info@arfhamptons.org with subject line “ARF Holiday Card Contest.” Include student’s name, grade, school, and contact info.

TIMELINE

• Contest Launch: Week of October 5, 2026

• Submission Deadline: November 5, 2026

• Winner Announced: Early December

• Holiday Card Released: Early December

PRIZES

• 1st Place: Artwork featured on ARF’s official holiday card (with credit), a Guild Hall Family Membership and admission for 4 to each of the 2027 silent dance parties, and a spotlight on ARF’s website, newsletter, and social media.

• 2nd Place: ARF sweatshirt, and social media feature as runner-up.

• 3rd Place: ARF t-shirt, and social media feature as runner-up.

‍