Elementary and high school students are invited to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with participation in the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Freedom 250 American Heroes Student Art Contest. The competition is accepting artwork inspired by the 250 historic Americans to be honored with statues in the National Garden of American Heroes.

Entrants must create an original 2D artwork and write short artist statement on the piece about why that hero was selected. The work should be submitted at freedom250.org. The entry deadline is June 1. Categories are: elementary, grades 3-5; middle school, grades 6-8; and high school, grades 9-12.

Winning pieces from each state and territory will be displayed at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Winners will receive a travel allowance to attend the fair with a parent or guardian this summer.