Montevallo Art Invitational

We are thrilled to share some exciting news about our annual student art exhibition! With the conclusion of the Visual Arts Achievement Program, we’ve created a new opportunity for your students to shine: The Montevallo Art Invitational.

This event will feature updates designed to make the experience even more rewarding for students and teachers alike.

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Submission Details

All high school art teachers are invited to submit up to 10 student artworks in the following categories:

Deadline: February 27, 2026

Drop off at the UM Art Department office (coordinate with Nita Terrell at Terrell@montevallo.eduor call (205) 665-6400).
Alternate drop-off: February 17, 4–5 PMat Vestavia Public Library (upper parking lot).

Forms

Teacher Form

The Montevallo Art Invitational Teacher Inventory Form will need to be filled out and turned in when dropping off artwork.

MAI Teacher form (PDF)

Student form

Student artwork should have a Montevallo Art Invitational student entry form attached to the back of the artwork.

MAI Student form

Teacher Form - Fillable form

The Montevallo Art Invitational Teacher Inventory Form will need to be filled out and turned in when dropping off artwork.

Fillable MAI teacher form

student form- Fillable form

Student artwork should have a Montevallo Art Invitational student entry form attached to the back of the artwork.

fillable MAI student form

RULES

Each student may only enter one time
Each teacher may submit up to 10 original works of art
Art work should arrive ready to display on a wall or pedestal. Framing is not required, matting or mounting for 2D works is encouraged.

Exhibition & Awards

Exhibition:March 2–13, 2026 in Bloch Hall, UM Campus
Awards Ceremony & Workshops:Friday, March 13
Workshop sign-up begins March 2 at 9 AM(link will be emailed).
Faculty judges will select 1st and 2nd place winnersin each category.
First-place winners will be featured in a special exhibition in the Poole Art Gallery from May 9–August 8, with an opening reception on May 9, 2–4 PM.

• Teachers of winning students are invited to exhibit one piece alongside their students (artwork due by May 1).

Montevallo Art Invitational Catagories Descriptions

Drawing

Drawing is the art and practice of creating images or forms by making marks on a surface, typically using tools such as pencil, charcoal, ink, or other media, to represent, explore, or express ideas.

Painting

Painting is the art and practice of applying pigment to a surface using tools such as brushes, knives, or hands to create images, forms, or expressive compositions.

Printmaking

Printmaking is the art and process of creating images by transferring ink from a prepared surface, such as a plate, block, stone, or screen, onto another surface—typically paper—allowing for the production of multiple impressions.

Ceramics

Ceramics is the art and practice of forming objects from clay and other earthen materials and hardening them through firing in a kiln to create functional or sculptural works.

Sculpture

Sculpture is the art and practice of creating three-dimensional forms by shaping, carving, modeling, assembling, or constructing materials.

Mixed Media

Mixed media is an art practice that combines two or more different materials, mediums, or processes within a single artwork.

Mixed media is an art practice that combines two or more different materials, mediums, or processes within a single artwork.

Photography

Photography is a visual art form that uses light, time, and composition to create images that document, interpret, or express experience.

New Media

New Media focuses on creating art using digital tools, time-based media, and emerging technologies, emphasizing experimentation and contemporary visual practice.