Calling all artists! Time is running out to submit artwork for the Goleta Valley Library Creek Week Art Contest. Community members are invited to submit an original work of art in celebration of Creek Week (September 19-26, 2026) and our many local bodies of water.

The last day to submit your creek-inspired artwork for inclusion in the contest has been extended to Saturday, September 5^th from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. at the Goleta Community Center (GCC) located at 5679 Hollister Avenue. Artwork can also be dropped off this Wednesday, September 2^nd from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the GCC. This year’s theme is Story Beneath the Surface: Art Inspired by Our Creeks, Oceans, and Watersheds. If you love art and you love Goleta, this is your chance to get creative. Break out your paints, oils, colored pencils, cameras, or the medium of your choice and let your imagination flow! 

All ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate. Submissions will be grouped into three age categories: Adults (18+), Teens (7^th–12^th grade), and Children (6^th grade and below). Artwork will be scored on relevance to the theme, overall appearance, and originality. A 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place ribbon will be awarded, as well as Honorable Mention ribbons in each category. 

For the first time, the Goleta Valley Library is encouraging artists to tell the story of their art or what inspired them to create their piece of art. The paragraph will be posted next to their piece for the Art Reception on September 25^th. The Artist Paragraph Submittal Form and guidelines for the art show are available on our website. 

The artwork will be on display for public viewing at the Goleta Community Center from September 11^th – 30^th. Participants and community members are invited to the Creek Week Art Reception on Friday, September 25^th from 5:30– 7:00 p.m. Come hear from our special guests about the importance of our local creeks and to find out the contest winners! There will also be light refreshments and live music performed by The Swing Along Band.

Here are some important guidelines for participating in the contest: 

• All artwork that represents the theme Story Beneath the Surface: Art Inspired by Our Creeks, Oceans, and Watersheds will be accepted. 
• Participants may only submit one piece of art. Art must be original, completed solely by the participant. 
• All mediums allowed (photography, painting, drawing, collage, etc.). 
• Artwork is not required to be framed but must have the artist’s name and age category on the back. 
• Submissions must be no larger than 42” in any direction (including frame) and must have a way to be hung on the wall. 
• Submissions must be picked up at the Goleta Community Center on Wednesdays October 7^th or 14^th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. or on Saturday October 3^rd from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
• An optional marketing waiver will be provided at the time of drop-off. 

We can’t wait to see your artwork in celebration of Goleta the Good Land! Remember to turn it in by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 5^th to be part of the contest. 

This contest is a partnership between Goleta Valley Library and the City of Goleta’s Environmental Services Division and Parks & Recreation Division. For questions about this competition, please contact Library Assistant Sharon Nigh at snigh@cityofgoleta.gov. 

Creek Week is an annual celebration of our creeks, watersheds, and the ocean, with many organizations hosting events to help build awareness and stewardship of the natural treasures of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria. Stay tuned for more info at https://sbcreekweek.com/.**