Art Bus Contest

2025 THEME: SHOW US YOUR CITY

The Art Contest is now closed. Winners of the contest will be announce May 19, 2025.

BFT invites local high school students to showcase their unique perspectives on life in the Tri-Cities area. The theme, “Show Us Your City,” encourages participants to creatively capture the vibrant culture, landscapes, and community spirit of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West Richland, Benton City & Prosser. 

CONTEST DETAILS
Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) invites all students Grades 9 through 12 to create a piece of art that, if selected, will be showcased on the 2025 BFT Art BusA rubber-tired transit vehicle designed for roadway operation to transport a large number of persons for public transportation service. In most cases, it operates with a self- contained source of motive power. More.

• Both traditional and digital art will be accepted via online, mail, or in-person submissions.
• Paper will be available in Customer Service at Three Rivers Transit CenterA facility where transit vehicles converge, enabling passengers to transfer among routes and services. Transit centers are generally located off the street and provide passengers with a shaded or enclosed waiting area, seats, drinking fountains, and transit information. More (7109 W. Okanogan Place, Kennewick) and to teachers on request.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

1. Obtain the 11” x 17” poster paper from either your art teacher or Customer Service at Three Rivers Transit CenterA facility where transit vehicles converge, enabling passengers to transfer among routes and services. Transit centers are generally located off the street and provide passengers with a shaded or enclosed waiting area, seats, drinking fountains, and transit information. More.
2. Create an original design based on the theme using a horizontal (landscape) layout.
3. Hand draw, color, or paint the poster. Computer-generated artwork scaled at 11” x 17” horizontal (landscape) at 600 dpi will be accepted—original artwork only!
4. Try using digital, felt tipTransportation Improvement Program More markers, colored pencils, tempera paints, color sticks, oils, bright watercolors, or chalk pastels 
5. since they show up well. Remember that your poster is going to be viewed from a distance, so make it CREATIVE, BOLD & BRIGHT!
6. Turn in your finished product to your art teacher, upload it online, or drop it off at Customer Service at Three Rivers Transit CenterA facility where transit vehicles converge, enabling passengers to transfer among routes and services. Transit centers are generally located off the street and provide passengers with a shaded or enclosed waiting area, seats, drinking fountains, and transit information. More no later than DEADLINE EXTENDED MONDAY APRIL 14, 2025! 
7. Submissions must follow guidelines, or they will be disqualified.
8. All submissions must include a completed Artist Release form. Include your full name, school, and contact information on your art submission.

WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?

Students:

1st Place Traditional Art & Digital Art (Two winners, one for each category)

• iPad and Apple Pencil • Artwork featured on the BFT Art BusA rubber-tired transit vehicle designed for roadway operation to transport a large number of persons for public transportation service. In most cases, it operates with a self- contained source of motive power. More

2nd Place Traditional Art & Digital Art (Two winners, one for each category)

• $300 Amazon gift card • Artwork featured on the BFT Art BusA rubber-tired transit vehicle designed for roadway operation to transport a large number of persons for public transportation service. In most cases, it operates with a self- contained source of motive power. More

3rd Place Traditional Art & Digital Art (Two winners, one for each category)

• $200 Amazon gift card • Artwork featured on the BFT Art BusA rubber-tired transit vehicle designed for roadway operation to transport a large number of persons for public transportation service. In most cases, it operates with a self- contained source of motive power. More

Top 5 Traditional Art & Digital Art (Five from each category)

• Artwork featured inside BFT Art BusA rubber-tired transit vehicle designed for roadway operation to transport a large number of persons for public transportation service. In most cases, it operates with a self- contained source of motive power. More headrail display

Teachers:

1st Place (Traditional Art & Digital Art)

• $300 Amazon gift card for classroom use

2nd Place (Traditional Art & Digital Art)

• $200 Amazon gift card for classroom use

3rd Place (Traditional Art & Digital Art)

• $100 Amazon gift card for classroom use

Find info about our Bus ShelterAlso see passenger shelter More Art Show here.