POKE SALAT ANNIE ART CONTEST

Contest Open To

Students in 6th–12th grade (School or Homeschool)

The Challenge

Create your own interpretation of Poke Salat Annie

Your Goal

• Who is Annie?
• Where is she?
• What does she look like?
• What is her world like?
• What is she wearing?
• What is she doing?

About Annie (From the Song Lyrics)

• Based on the song lyrics of Polk Salad Annie by Tony Joe White – you should listen before you start
• She picked poke weed and cooked it for supper because “that’s about all they had to eat.”
• Her family was living in poverty
• She lived in rural Louisiana
• Likely a swampy area (alligators mentioned)
• Her mother was on a chain gang
• Her father was lazy and no count
• She worked hard from a young age
• She was resilient and strong
• She spent time outdoors gathering food
• She may have carried food in a basket, sack, or her hands

Artwork

8” x 10” or 11” x 14” canvas or wood panel

Mediums Allowed

Pencil • Acrylic • Oil • Watercolor • Mixed Media

No digital or computer-generated artwork

How to Enter

Complete the application. Edit the .PDF file OR print, fill out, take a photo or scan and email it with your art submission.

Click here to access the Application File.

Submit a photo of your work to growingwildevents@gmail.com before midnight, April 24, 2026.

Make sure your photo shows your artwork clearly and in its best light — this could make or break your chances in the contest.

Contest Details

All artwork will be posted on Facebook April 27 at 5 PM.

Most likes by May 6 at 9 PM wins People’s Choice.

If tied, a one-day vote will be held May 7.

Have a parent or guardian sign the form (required for all participants under 18)

Entries are not considered complete without a signed release form.

Finalists

Judges will select 3 additional finalists based on judging criteria and may not match public votes.

All 4 finalists appear at the festival May 16 at 9:30 AM.

Category Awards

• People’s Choice
• Best Storytelling Scene
• Most Creative Style
• Heart of Annie Award

Trophies awarded to all winners

The Annie Award

From the four finalists, judges will select and announce the Annie Award recipient — the artist who truly brings Annie to life.

This award honors the piece that best:

• Brings Annie to life
• Places her in a believable world
• Shows her personality
• Tells her story through art

The Annie Award Prize

Trophy AND $50 Cash Prize

Deadline Reminder

Submit by midnight April 24, 2026