Calling All Young Creators: Your Art Could Be the Official Pet Expo ’26 T‑Shirt!

CCHS and Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union believe that creativity is a superpower and we are asking young artists across Chautauqua County to prove it. This fall, CCHS Pet Expo ’26 is returning to the Northwest Arena, and we’re inviting kids and teens (19 and under) to help design something truly special: The Official CCHS Pet Expo Event T‑shirt!

Whether you doodle in the margins of your homework, sketch animals nonstop, or dream of seeing your artwork out in the world, this is your moment. Your imagination, your style, your love for animals, it all belongs here.

enter your art at petexpo@chqhumane.org.

You can also submit your entry at the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road in Jamestown, or at any Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union branch.

Why Your Art Matters

CCHS Pet Expo ’26 is our biggest celebrations of animals, families, and community. Hundreds of people are expected to attend, and the T‑shirt will be a keepsake that animal lovers wear with pride.

This year’s shirt could feature your design.

Who Can Enter?

Anyone 19 or younger is welcome. You don’t need fancy supplies or special training, just heart, creativity, and a love for animals. Enter your art at petexpo@chqhumane.org.

What We’re Looking For

We want designs that celebrate:

• Pets and the joy they bring
• Animal rescue and kindness
• The spirit of Pet Expo ’26
• Creativity, imagination, and YOU

Bold, simple designs work best for screen printing.

Important Dates

• Submissions open: July 1st
• Deadline to enter: October 1
• Top 10 finalists announced: October 10
• Winner revealed LIVE on the main stage: October 17 at 1 PM during Pet Expo ’26 at the Northwest Arena.

Why You Should Give It a Try

Because your voice matters. Because your art can inspire others. Because animals need champions, and creativity is one of the most powerful ways to speak up for them.

And honestly? Because it’s fun. This contest is all about celebrating young artists, cheering you on, and giving you a platform to shine.

Ready to Create Something Amazing?

Grab your pencils, tablets, markers, or whatever you love to use, and start dreaming up your design. We can’t wait to see what you imagine.

Your art could be the heart of Pet Expo ’26!

CCHS Pet Expo ’26 Youth T‑Shirt Design Challenge

Official Rules & Entry Criteria

Eligibility

• Open to all youth 19 years old and under
• Participants may live in Chautauqua County or any surrounding counties
• No entry fee required
• AI generated images will not be accepted

Theme

Designs should celebrate:

• Animals
• Adoption
• Community
• The spirit of CCHS Pet Expo ’26

Designs may be fun, bold, cute, artistic, or imaginative — but must reflect the mission and values of the Chautauqua County Humane Society.

Design Requirements

• Artwork must be original and created by the youth entrant
• Hand‑drawn or digital designs are welcome
• Must be a one‑color or two‑color design suitable for screen printing
• Design must fit within an 8.5” x 11” printable area
• No copyrighted characters, logos, or images
• No AI generated images
• Optional but encouraged:
  • “CCHS Pet Expo ’26”
  • “Chautauqua County Humane Society”
  • Animal imagery (cats, dogs, small animals, etc.)

Submission Guidelines

• Entries accepted June 25th – October 1st, 2026
• Each artist may submit up to three designs
• Submissions must include:
  • Artist’s name
  • Age
  • City, town, or village of residence
  • Parent/guardian contact information
• Artwork should be submitted as a high‑quality photo, scan, or digital file
• Artwork may be dropped off at the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701 between 1pm-5:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11am to 3pm on Saturday or at any branch of Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union. Click here for hours and locations.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated on:

• Creativity and originality
• Connection to the CCHS mission: Empowering the community to enhance the lives of animals.
• Visual appeal and clarity
• Suitability for printing on a T‑shirt
• Overall impact and message

Finalists & Winner Selection

• 10 finalists announced October 10th, 2026
• Finalist designs showcased online and at the Pet Expo
• Winning design revealed live on the main stage at 1 PM during Pet Expo ’26 on October 17, 2026
• Winning design becomes the official Pet Expo ’26 T‑shirt

Prizes

• Winner:
  • Free T‑shirt featuring their design
  • $100 Savings Deposit at Greater Chautauqua FCU (Greater Chautauqua FCU serves all residents of Chautauqua County)
  • Recognition at the Expo
  • Certificate of achievement
• Finalists:
  • Certificate and public recognition
  • Gift Card

Rights & Permissions

By submitting artwork, participants grant CCHS permission to:

• Reproduce, print, and display the design
• Use the artwork in promotional materials for future CCHS Pet Expo Events.
• Credit the artist whenever possible

Artwork remains the intellectual property of the artist; CCHS receives usage rights only.