Past Winners’ Artwork
Scholarship Competition
Started in 2012, RFA hosts an annual Art Scholarship Competition in which local high school artists submit an original artwork based on a new theme every year. The ten finalists are granted the opportunity to exhibit their artworks at M.S. Rau. Four winning artists, selected by a panel of rotating guest judges, are granted a total of $20,000 in college scholarship funds. Furthermore, the first-place winner is presented with the opportunity to study art in Italy, inspired by the tradition of the Prix de Rome.
Pictured Here:
2024-2025 Winning Work
Artist: Madison H.
Work Title: Bubba
2025-2026 Theme: Lights, Shadows and Everything in Between
From the dramatic contrasts of Caravaggio to the atmospheric scenes of Edward Hopper, artists have long used light and shadow to tell stories, create mood, and guide the viewer’s eye. This competition invites you to explore the interplay between illumination and obscurity—not just as a technique, but as a narrative.
Consider how light moves across environments, how shadows shape spaces, and how landscapes—natural or urban—can become stages for visual storytelling through light. Whether you’re inspired by golden hour glows or looming silhouettes, we encourage you to think beyond the figure and focus on the world around it—through contrast, balance, and everything in between.
Technical skill is of the utmost importance, so show us your best work!
Competition Deadline: Monday, Feb. 2, 2026
Submissions are CLOSED. Thank you to all who participated!
Finalists
We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s 2025–2026 scholarship competition resulted in a tie for the top 10 among 100+ incredible submissions—bringing us to an outstanding 11 finalists! A huge congratulations to all of the talented students who shared their work with us. And an extra big THANK YOU to the teachers who support, encourage, and uplift these students every step of the way!
Hannah W. – 12th Grade
Gracie E. – 11th Grade
Maddie C. – 12th Grade
Emma S. – 12th Grade
Marie C. – 12th Grade
Maggie L. – 12th Grade
Elliot S. – 10th Grade
Alexis N. – 11th Grade
Gabriella G. – 12th Grade
Melina A. – 11th Grade
Eligibility
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors in Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and St. Charles Parishes. You are welcome whether you are enrolled in a public, private, parochial, or home school. You do not have to be currently enrolled in an art class to participate. The competition is free to enter.
Artwork Criteria
Students are only permitted to submit ONE artwork per year, and it must be created wholly by you. Only two-dimensional artworks are accepted. The maximum dimensions accepted are 36“ high x 36” wide. Paintings and/or drawings are accepted in the following media: oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, pastel, charcoal, etc. Layered artwork (collage) is permitted only if all materials utilized are produced by the artist. The use of found materials (newsprint/magazine clips, 3D objects, digital images) is not permitted. Photographic submissions are not accepted.
All students are also expected to submit a short artist statement along with their artwork, explaining the ideas behind their piece as well as their interpretation of that year’s theme.
Your artwork will be judged on the following criteria: technical ability and execution, originality, and your interpretation of the theme.
Scholarship Prizes
- First Place: $10,000 (with the option to study in Italy) + $500 to your high school’s art department
- Second Place: $5,000
- Third Place: $3,000
- Fourth Place: $2,000
All scholarships are paid directly to the college or university you will attend. Funds will be held until winners graduate from high school, regardless of their grade when winning the competition.
Photo Gallery
Students and Parents: Access the ceremony photo gallery by entering your email address below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entry fee for the competition?
Nope, the competition is free to enter! Therefore we encourage all creative high school students to give it a try!
Who will judge my work and how are the finalists selected? When will I find out if I am a finalist?
The RFA Scholarship Competition will be privately juried by a panel made up of members of the RFA Foundation and local “personalities” who will act as guest judges. All acceptable entries will be judged equally. All decisions by jurors are final. Notification of ten finalists will begin approximately 4 weeks after the submission deadline via email with a mailed letter to follow. Finalist’s works must be delivered to our French Quarter location within two weeks of notification of Finalist status. The Scholarship Winners will be announced at the annual Finalist Event to be held in the spring. All Finalists who wish to be considered for the awards must be present at the Finalist Event.
What if my school doesn’t have art classes or an Art Department? Can I still enter?
Absolutely! Our competition is open to all students in the 10th-12th grades (or its home-school equivalent) in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany St. Charles, and Plaquemines Parishes, regardless of whether or not your school offers art classes or has an Art Department.
I am home-schooled. Am I still eligible to enter?
Yes, all home-schooled students who are in the 10th to 12th grade equivalent in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, St. Charles, and Plaquemines Parishes are welcome to enter.
If I win, how will I receive my scholarship?
All scholarships will be paid directly to the college or university you will attend.
How does my high school receive its award?
Your high school’s award will be paid directly to your school.
Your Rights: The Rau For Art Scholarship Competition does not infringe on artists’ copyrights. Individual artists retain all ownership rights. By submitting a completed entry form, the student artist grants permission for the Foundation to display finalist artwork on our website and/or any other promotional materials. No artists’ contact information will be given without artists’ consent.