Transportation Department opens art contest

Young Oklahoma artists are being invited to channel their imaginations to create artwork that champions a cleaner, litter-free future.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is accepting entries for its annual statewide Trash Poster Calendar contest, where artwork shines in the 2026 Oklahoma Trash Poster Calendar. This annual calendar showcases student creations that promote litter reduction along Oklahoma highways. ODOT officials said that, with Route 66 turning 100 in 2026, valuable learning opportunities and artistic inspiration abound.

Fourteen state winners will be rewarded with cash prizes: $300 for first place, $300 for the State Promotional Poster of the Year, $200 for second place, $200 for the Contest Entry Form Poster and $150 for third place in each of the four grade divisions. Winners, their families and teachers will be recognized at a special awards event in April, where students will be introduced on the floor of the Oklahoma State Senate and House of Representatives.

Students may enter in one of four categories based on their grade: K-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, and 9th-12th. Entries must be submitted by Jan. 31 to a local county Department of Environmental Quality office, which in Lawton is 601 SW C. Local judging will take place in February, and winning entries will advance to the state competition in March.

Artwork should be original and feature positive themes related to litter. Poster sizes of 12 inches x 18 inches or 11 inches x 17 inches, using paper or poster board, are preferred. Students should avoid using syndicated characters, computer-generated images or materials that could damage scanning equipment.

Last year, more than 4,600 students participated in the initiative.

Additional information is available by emailing ODOT at [email protected]. An entry form may be downloaded at www.odot.org/tpc.