First in Freedom Art Contest.
Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary Through Art
Tell me more.
The local First in Freedom Art Contest is a partnership between the Sampson County History Museum and the Sampson Arts Council, providing artists in Southeastern North Carolina with an opportunity to showcase their talents in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
This local contest serves as a gateway to the regional First in Freedom Art Contest, which is organized by the First in Freedom Committee, Moores Creek Battleground Association, Pender County NC, and the National Park Service as part of the First in Freedom Festival of North Carolina.
Artists from Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, and Sampson counties are invited to participate. The theme of the contest is “Freedom,” encouraging artistic reflection on our nation’s independence.
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Sampson County artists will compete in two categories:
High School (Grades 9-12) – Public and private school students
Adult (Ages 19 and up)
Submission Dates & Location:
📍 Sampson County History Museum – 313 Lisbon Street, Clinton, NC
🗓 July 7 & 8, 2025 | ⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PMExhibition & Reception:
Accepted artwork will be displayed at the Sampson County History Museum from July 10–24, 2025.
An Artist Reception will be held on July 10, 2025, from 5:30–7:30 PM, where winners will be announced.
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Sampson County’s 1st place winners in each category will advance to the regional competition.
The regional competition is organized by the NC First in Freedom Festival Committee in partnership with Moores Creek National Battlefield and the Moores Creek Battleground Association.
Regional Exhibition & Awards:
📍 Pender County Arts Council, 111 S. Wright St, Burgaw, NC
🗓 August 16, 2025 – Public opening at 2:00 PM
📍 Moores Creek National Battlefield – February 21–28, 2026
🏆 Regional winners will be announced by August 30, 2025, with a final People’s Choice Award announced on February 28, 2026.
Prizes.
1st Place
Sampson County:
High Schooler: $75
Adult: $125
Regional:
High Schooler: $250
Adult: $502.50
2nd Place
Sampson County:
High Schooler: $50
Adult: $75
Regional:
High Schooler: $202.50
Adult: $250
3rd Place
Sampson County:
High Schooler: $25
Adult: $50
Regional:
High Schooler: $102.50
Adult: $102.50
People’s Choice
Regional:
High Schooler: $52.50
Adult: $52.50
Additional information.
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Must be original 2D artwork created within the last 12 months.
Accepted media: Any 2D medium (painting, drawing, mixed media, etc.).
Size: No smaller than 8”x10” and no larger than 18”x24”.
Must be gallery-wrapped and “ready to hang” with eye bolts and wire.
Frames are optional, but if used, they must be solid black.
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📅 July 7 & 8, 2025 – Art submissions due at Sampson County History Museum
📅 July 10, 2025 – Artist Reception & County Winners Announced (5:30–7:30 PM)
📅 July 10–24, 2025 – County artwork exhibition at Sampson County History Museum
📅 August 16, 2025 – Regional competition opens at Pender County Arts Council
📅 August 30, 2025 – Regional winners announced
📅 February 21–28, 2026 – Regional exhibition at Moores Creek National Battlefield
📅 February 28, 2026 – Regional “People’s Choice” Award announced -
The NC First in Freedom Festival Committee, Moores Creek National Battlefield, and Moores Creek Battleground Association reserve the right to use photos of submitted artwork for marketing and promotional purposes.
The organizing committee reserves the right to not display any entry at their discretion.
Judging Criteria:
How well the artwork encapsulates the theme of “Freedom”
Creativity & originality
Inspirational impact and patriotic expression
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📞 Sampson Arts Council: 910-596-2533 | 🌐 www.sampsonarts.net
📞 Sampson County History Museum: 910-590-0007 | 🌐 www.sampsonhistory.org
Find out more.
Learn more about the events being planned in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Visit www.ncfirstinfreedomfestival.com
