Affiche Graphique / Graphic Art posters are designed and created by students using graphic design technology, including programs such as Photoshop, InDesign, etc. (11”x14” Printed, but may be mounted to foamboard)

Beaux-Arts / Studio Art posters are designed and created by students using traditional arts methods such as oil or watercolor paints, colored pencil, pastels, etc. (12×16” canvas or posterboard)

The theme of this year’s poster competition is “Historic French influence in the Midwest.” From fur trading and exploration to architecture, place names, and cultural traditions, French influence played a vital role in shaping the American Midwest. French explorers like Marquette and La Salle were among the first Europeans to chart this region, and many cities bear the mark of that legacy. You will find more information at this website that you can use for starter The Beginning – French Heritage Corridor: The Seven States

The Poster Registration Form (below) must be completed and accompany the poster to help the judges in the interpretation of your work. Any text on the poster itself must be in French. If you choose to use captions and illustrations on your poster, the French must be accurate and suitable to your level. 

Important Points

  • All poster submissions must be brought on the day of the contest with a completed Poster Registration Form (linked below), to assist the judges in the interpretation of your work.
  • Affiche Graphique / Graphic Art must be printed with a size of 11” x 14” (may be mounted to foamboard)
  • Beaux-Arts / Studio Art must be submitted as a 12″x16” sized canvas or posterboard
  • Any text on the poster itself must be in French. If you choose to use captions and illustrations on your poster, the French must be accurate and suitable to your level. The use of Google Translate or AI are not permitted.
  • The poster contest is not a group work. Submissions must be completed by a single student.
  • Schools may submit ONE Beaux-Art and ONE Affiche Graphic per level, per school, for a total of 8 total submissions. Schools who break this rule will be disqualified from judging.

Disqualifications will occur for any of the following reasons:

  • If the judges suspect plagiarism, AI use, or Google Translate in the French language on any poster submission
  • Beaux-Art submissions are submitted on poster boards or canvases larger or smaller than 12”x 16” 
  • Affiche Graphique are submitted on prints that are larger or smaller than 11”x14”
  • Beaux-Art submissions are not drawn or illustrated by hand
  • Beaux-Art or Affiche Graphique are submitted without the Poster Registration Form fully completed

Each school may submit ONE Graphic Art and ONE Beaux-Arts poster PER LEVEL (a total of 8 posters per school max).

Poster Registration Form

Affiche Graphique Rubric:

Affiche Graphique 2026 (1)

Affiche Beaux-Arts Rubric:

Affiche Beaux Arts 2026