The McLean Community Center is open on Thursday, January 29. All classes and activities will occur, unless emailed otherwise. The Old Firehouse Center is closed through Monday, February 2 due to facility updates.

McLean Community Center Youth Ambassadors High School Visual Art & Writing Competition: Commemorating America’s 250

The McLean Community Center Youth Ambassadors invite local high school students to participate in a Visual Art & Writing Competition exploring the theme Freedom Through My Eyes. This competition is open to students in grade 9-12 who reside in or attend school within the MCC tax district. Students are asked to reflect on what freedom, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, means today.

Submission Categories & Guidelines

Visual Art
  1. Two-dimensional artwork in any medium
  2. Size: 11" x 14" or 8" x 10"
  3. Artwork will be matted by MCC for display
Writing
  1. Up to 600 words
  2. All genres accepted (poetry, essay, creative writing, etc.)
  3. Calibri, 12-point font, double-spaced
  4. Submit as a PDF with a cover page including contact information

Restrictions: Use of AI is not permitted. Submissions that do not follow guidelines will not be judged or published.

Submission Deadline

Friday, March 13, 2026, by 11 p.m.

How to Submit
  1. Visual Art: Drop off at the McLean Community Center front desk, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101. Artists complete a contact form at drop-off.
  2. Writing: Email PDF submissions to programs@mcleancenter.org with the subject line:

    MCC Youth Ambassador Art & Writing Competition

  3. Written pieces must be submitted in PDF format with a cover page that includes the author’s name, age, grade, school, phone number, home address and email address.  Submissions without all the above information will not be considered.

Awards & Jury

Entries will be judged separately in Visual Art and Writing by panels including MCC leadership and local educators.

Awards (per category):
  1. 1st Place: $150
  2. 2nd Place: $100
  3. 3rd Place: $50
  4. Certificates awarded to all winners

Reception & Recognition

April 11, 2026 | 4 p.m. | McLean Community Center

Selected artwork will be displayed, and writing submissions will be featured in a printed booklet. Winners will be recognized, and jurors will share insights on themes and selections.

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