Katy ISD art students can submit original artwork to the Johnny Nelson Katy Heritage Museum for a contest tied to the nation's 250th birthday and the annual Rice Harvest Festival.

The museum announced the contest on its Facebook page Aug. 17, the Katy Times reported. The theme is "Birthday Card to America," marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Students are asked to create a piece that shares a birthday wish for "We the People" and reflects on national symbols and ideals such as "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

The contest is open to all Katy ISD art students. Full rules and registration packets are available through district art teachers.

Entries must be delivered to the museum at 6002 George Bush Drive by Sept. 28. Judging begins Oct. 8, and winners will be announced Oct. 12. No details on prizes or awards have been released.

All submitted artwork will go on display at the museum from Oct. 10 through Nov. 2. That window opens on the same day as the 2026 Katy Rice Harvest Festival, scheduled for Oct. 10 and Oct. 11 at Historic Town Square in front of Katy City Hall. Artists can pick up their entries Nov. 2 through Nov. 6.

The festival is presented by the City of Katy Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Rotary Club of Katy. All net proceeds go back to the community through scholarships, nonprofits and charities, according to My Neighborhood News. The Rotary Club awarded $100,000 in scholarships to 16 Katy ISD Class of 2026 graduates at its April 30 banquet.

Kaci Maris, the City of Katy's tourism and marketing event coordinator, described the festival's roots in a Sept. 2 Katy Magazine article: "… Rooted in Katy's proud agricultural history, the festival began as a way to honor the area's rice farming heritage."

The Heritage Museum and MKT Depot Museum are open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Group tours can be scheduled at 281-578-7461. The Katy Veterans Memorial Museum, located next door, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Upcoming dates

  • Sept. 28 — Contest entries due at the museum
  • Oct. 8 — Judging begins
  • Oct. 10–11 — Katy Rice Harvest Festival at Historic Town Square
  • Oct. 10–Nov. 2 — Student artwork on display at the Heritage Museum
  • Oct. 12 — Winners announced
  • Nov. 2–6 — Artists retrieve entries