Since 1989, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) has sponsored the International Aviation Art Contest to challenge young people to illustrate the importance of aviation through art. TxDOT’s Aviation Division hosts the contest at the state level.

The 2019 Theme: My Dream to Fly

Have you ever sat in class, looked out the window, and wondered what it would be like to fly? If so, you are not alone! Teachers might not always like it, but something about looking at the sky calls us to daydream about what is possible. Orange embers floating above a campfire do the same and who hasn't been a little envious seeing a hawk soar across the sky? Inside all of us, a dream to fly is just waiting for the chance to come to life.

Nature has many ways to encourage us to dream. Whether it is the hot embers of the campfire floating up or tree leaves floating down, each dares us to dream of riding the currents of air across the sky. In response, we dream of creating hot air balloons of all shapes and colors. Their burners blast heat into the envelope of the balloon, heating the air and lifting us into the sky. For those who want to join the hawks of the air, dreams of flight will lead to new gliders of all types. Advanced and novel gliders, paragliders and hang gliders will allow us to soar through the air with ease and grace.

Back on the ground, those of us who want to tame the wind instead of surfing along it, dream of creating new planes and helicopters that will allow us to challenge the wind and fly wherever we want. Visions of new aerobatic planes race through our minds as they will one day race through the sky. Maybe you've dreamt of joining your friends in a specially designed helicopter that allows you to sight see your neighborhood, city, or countryside. For others, the race to the border of space will lead to dreams of jet powered planes going faster and higher than ever before.

Each achievement in flight has started with a dream. Along  the way, the next generation of aviation enthusiasts have built their dreams on the works of those coming before them . Now, it's your turn. Wherever your imagination takes you when you look to the clouds, it's time to pick up your favorite art supplies and share your dream to fly!

Submission Information

To submit your student's artwork for this year's contest, please download the 2019 Art Contest Brochure and review the rules and format requirements. Fill out the included Authenticity Certificate and affix it to the back of the artwork. Mail the artwork to the address included in the brochure. Artwork must be postmarked by January 19, 2019. For questions, contact the Aviation Division.

More Information

• Prizes for Texas Winners
• 2015 Aviation Art Contest Winners
• 2016 Aviation Art Contest Winners
• 2017 Aviation Art Contest Winners
• 2018 Aviation Art Contest Winners