The Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA), the producer of Bayou City Art Festival, will announce the top 30 finalists for its 11th Annual Middle School Art Competition at the “Art in the Middle” reception on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. at the River Oaks Shopping Center, 2040 West Gray, Ste. 100, Houston 77019.

The Middle School Art Competition is an education initiative offered by ACA for students in grades 5-8 from Houston area private schools, charter schools, and public independent school districts. The art contest offers middle school students the opportunity to participate in a 2-D juried competition, have their art displayed in public, interact with working artists, and win prizes for themselves and their school’s art program.

The public along with students, parents, teachers, and district representatives are invited to attend the “Art in the Middle” reception and view artwork from more than 700 participating students. During the reception, light bites and refreshments will be served, and Houston Artist Tony Parana will be the special guest speaker.

The top 30 finalists’ art will be on display at the Bayou City Art Festival Downtown on March 23-24, 2024. The finalists’ artwork will also be posted for web-based voting to determine the “People's Choice Award”. Online voting will take place February 14 through February 29, 2024, at www.artcolonyassociation.org. Additionally, the finalists will receive tickets to the Downtown Spring Festival and a finalist award ribbon.

ACA will announce 1st, 2nd and 3rd place along with the winner of the “People’s Choice Award” at a special reception at Bayou City Art Festival on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at 1 p.m.