The 2026 I Am Texas Contest
The 2026 I Am Texas Contest is Open Now!
The Categories:
Letter-Writing, Grades 2-5
Fiction/Non-Fiction, Grades 6-12
Art,
Grades 2-12
Deadline for Entry: April 30, 2026
The Bryan Museum houses over 70,000 pieces that tell the story of Texas and the American West and contains many online resources for student research.
Each year, our annual “I Am Texas” theme encourages student contestants to use historical artifacts found in The Bryan Museum as inspiration to express their creativity.
Presenting the
2026 Featured Artifacts:
Attributed to Elisabet Ney (1833-1907) found in Texas Masters Gallery
The Walking Cane
This walking cane features a carved ivory bust of Elisabet Ney, a German sculptor who immigrated to the United States in 1870. She settled near Hempstead, Texas, and later built an art studio north of Austin which she named Formosa (Beautiful). It is believed that Ney gave this cane as a gift to a member of the German royal family.
found in the back stairwell
Saltillo Serape
This colorful blanket-like garment is both functional and decorative. It is traditionally worn as a shawl or cape. Serapes pre-date the Spanish arrival to the New World. They have long been associated with Mexico. This serape was crafted in the Mexican city of Saltillo.
found in the Texas Masters Gallery
San Antonio Bride
Born in Spain, Arpa came to San Antonio in 1923 as an established artist. He started the San Antonio Art School where he taught for 10 years. He was known as a master of light and shadow and earned the nickname “Sunshine Man.” His realistic style is created by his flowing brushstrokes.
Found in the From the Vault special exhibit on display Nov. 14 – April 12
Binoculars
Everett Ewing Townsend is considered the “father of Big Bend National Park.” As a young man, he held many jobs including Texas Ranger, Deputy U.S. Marshal, and a mounted inspector for U.S. Customs in Presido County. As an inspector on horseback, he was able to spend countless hours in the Big Bend region where he fell in love with the panoramic views. He advocated successfully to have the area turned into a state park in 1933 and ten years later into Big Bend National Park.
Using a featured artifact does not increase your chances of winning the 2026 I Am Texas contest. No matter which piece of art or artifact you use to inspire your writing, be sure to explain the connection in your writer’s statement when you upload your submission.
Why Enter the I Am Texas Contest?
- The winners of each category receive prize money!
- Finalists will be published AND have their work displayed at The Bryan Museum
- Builds creative skills and strengthens knowledge of history
Who Can Enter the I Am Texas Contest?
- Contest is open to all students in grades 2 through 12
- Any Texas school may participate: public, private, charter or homeschool
- A parent, teacher, or the participating student may submit their contest entry
Still have questions?
Contact education@thebryanmuseum.org
Don’t forget to check out iWrite, our sister organization, for their 2025-2026 contest.
