WHAT IS THE PICOWSA CONTEST?
Picowsa is an inspiring and educational event inviting youth from across the Central Plains states—South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and North Dakota—to participate in a unique dairy‑themed art experience. Open to 4‑H clubs, FFA chapters, and all interested young artists, this event encourages youth to express what dairy means to them. Whether their inspiration comes from farms, cows, cheese, ice cream, or any other dairy‑related story, youth are encouraged to explore their imagination and bring their ideas to life. All masterpieces are judged and showcased during the Dairy Fest Gala, where youth also have the exciting opportunity to sell their artwork through a silent auction. They may still exhibit their piece at their local county fair or 4‑H Achievement Days before it goes to its new owner.
This event not only celebrates creativity—it builds confidence, communication skills, and pride in personal accomplishment – helping youth develop a meaningful connection to the dairy industry, encouraging them to learn where their food comes from and understand the importance of agriculture in their communities.
SIGN UP HERE.
READY TO PAINT YOUR PICOWSA?
Fill out the form on the right to let us know you’re joining the art contest! Be sure to let us know if you’d like your Picowsa to be auctioned off in a silent bid at the gala – proceeds from each painting will be sent via check to the artist!
*Kids can exhibit their art at 4H or achievement days, and then new buyer will receive your masterpiece after*
WHERE DO I START?
- Grab a 11×14″, 16×20″ or 18×24″ canvas
- Pick out your favorite paint colors
- Start creating your picowsa masterpiece
- What qualifies as a picowsa masterpiece?: Art that showcases the dairy industry from your perspective
- Write your name, grade, town & phone number on the back of your artpiece
- Decide whether you want to auction off your masterpiece at the Got Milk Gala (proceeds go to directly to the artist via check in the mail)
- Contact Suzanne to arrage drop-off information (souza004@mn.edu)
THE PROCESS:
STEP 1:
SIGN UP
Make sure we know you’re in the contest!
STEP 2:
PAINT!
Get to work creating your masterpiece.
STEP 3:
DROP OFF
During the alotted timeframe so we can be sure to showcase your art at the Got Milk Gala.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
This contest is open to all youth and college students in the central plains states, 4-H clubs and FFA chapters!
REQUIREMENTS
- Paintings must be on a 11x14, 16x20 or 18x24 canvas.
- Artwork should be appropriately finished and ready to display.
AGE CATEGORIES
K - 2
ELEMENTARY (3-5)
JUNIOR HIGH (6-8)
SENIOR HIGH (9-12)
COLLEGE
ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PARTICIPANT ACCEPTED!
EACH EXHIBIT WILL BE EVALUATED FOR ITS MERIT AS AN ORIGINAL PIECE SHOWCASING THE DAIRY INDUSTRY.
DROP OFF & PICKUP
LOCATION: DACOTAH BANK CENTER
Or contact Suzanne for a drop off zone near you! (souza004@umn.edu )
DROP OFF DATES:
MAY 26-27, 2026 | Contact Suzanne; souza004@umn.edu to setup a drop-off time.
PICK UP DATES:
Coordinate with Suzanne!
(BASED ON SELLING PAINTING OR NOT)