LAKELAND, Fla., Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College is proud to partner with Scholastic to host the national Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for Polk County, Florida.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is a nationwide program designed to recognize the artistic and literary talent of all public, private and homeschool students in grades 7 through 12, ages 13 and up. This program celebrates students locally and nationally, with awards, exhibitions, publications and scholarships.

“The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are a highlight of our student exhibitions each year,” Executive Director Dr. Daryl Ward said. “This prestigious competition honors the ‘best of the best’ in our area and The AGB is proud to support this event.”

Artwork submitted to the Polk County Art Region will go through an adjudication process for special regional awards including Gold Key, Silver Key, Honorable Mention, American Visions Nominee, and American Voices Nominee. A special awards ceremony will be hosted by The AGB to honor award recipients. All Gold Key artworks will progress to the national judging where they are considered for national awards and will be eligible to take part in Scholastic’s Art.Write.Now. National Exhibition and National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York. Award-recognized artwork will also have the opportunity to be selected for inclusion in The AGB’s Scholastic Exhibition.

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College is a not-for-profit, academic and community museum that seeks to enhance lives through inspirational and engaging art experiences for all. It is the largest and only nationally accredited visual arts organization in Polk County and the only Smithsonian Affiliate art museum in Central Florida. In January 2025, the AGB Museum of Art opened its new Dr. Anne B. Kerr Wing, with an additional 14,000 sq. ft. of exhibition and education space, including six new galleries, as well as multi-functional classroom and event spaces. The Museum’s hours are Tuesdays–Saturdays 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm, and closed Mondays and major holidays. The facility is handicap accessible and special needs assistance is available. Admission is free, thanks to our Strategic Partners, the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation and Dr. Alan and Linda Rich.

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SOURCE Florida Southern College