Colorado State University Inaugural President's Art Prize

Colorado State University invites current students and young alumni (graduated in or after 2019) from all majors to submit original artworks created in 2020 or later for the inaugural President's Art Prize. Selected artists will receive monetary awards and have their work professionally installed at Magnolia House, the official residence of CSU President Amy Parsons, for one year. The President will introduce the art and artists to guests throughout the year.

Nine artists will be awarded: one $500 President's Art Prize (Grand Prize), three $250 Awards of Distinction, and five $150 Honorable Mentions. Winners receive institutional recognition at a Spring 2026 reception, one-on-one mentorship with jurors, and features on the university webpage and promotional video. The juried panel includes artist Jasmine Holmes, entrepreneur Martha McGee, arts organizational leader Christian Gaines, and student curators Maximus Vogt and Anna Coons. Jurors will evaluate artistic merit, originality, craftsmanship, and suitability for the President's House.

Magnolia House features warm, sophisticated interiors suited for small- to medium-scale artworks. Sample dimensions include 2D works up to 60×60" and 3D works with several opportunities for pieces under 20" on the longest side, plus one opportunity for larger sculptures up to 30×40×72". All artistic styles are welcome. Applicants may submit up to two media files total (two different artworks or two images of a single artwork) in JPEG format (maximum 5 MB, minimum 1,200 pixels on longest side, 72-300 PPI) or MP4 video format (maximum 100 MB) for time-based work. An artist statement of up to 1,000 characters is required. Artworks should be installation-ready when possible; in-person delivery is encouraged with support available as needed.