Enter the 2026 Banner & T-Shirt Design Contest
Music, tradition, creativity, and community have always been at the heart of Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM). Now, local artists have an opportunity to help tell that story.
The Jackson County JAM program is seeking a talented artist, designer, muralist, or sign painter to create the next official JAM banner and 2026–2027 T-shirt design. The selected artwork will become a highly visible part of the program, representing JAM students, instructors, performances, and community events throughout the coming year.
More than just a design contest, this is an opportunity to contribute to a program that helps preserve and celebrate the rich musical traditions of Southern Appalachia while inspiring the next generation of musicians.
What We’re Looking For
JAM is seeking an experienced artist who can create a design that captures the spirit of Appalachian music, creativity, and community. The winning design will be used for:
- A hand-painted 9′ x 12′ community banner
- The official 2026–2027 JAM T-shirt
Artists should create a unified design concept for both the banner and T-shirt. The banner will be painted in acrylic on a 9′ x 12′ cotton canvas drop cloth, while the T-shirt design should reflect and complement the same visual theme. Designs should celebrate Appalachian musical traditions and include one or more instruments such as a banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, or upright bass.
Artists should be comfortable working with large-format designs and be able to complete the final painted banner by September 1, 2026. All materials and supplies will be provided by JAM.
Contest Details
Contest Opens: July 1, 2026
Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026
Final Banner Deadline: September 1, 2026
Applicants should submit:
- A design concept
- Photos or samples of previous work
- Examples demonstrating experience with large-scale projects
Submissions should be emailed to: jcncjam@gmail.com
Subject Line:
Design Contest ’26 – Artist Name
Prize Package
The selected artist will receive:
- $150 cash prize
- A basket of gifts from local businesses
- Featured artist recognition through JAM & JCAC social media channels
- A feature in the Sylva Herald
Most importantly, the winning artist will leave a lasting mark on a program that has introduced countless young people to the musical traditions of Western North Carolina.
Ready to Share Your Vision?
Whether you’re a professional designer, muralist, sign painter, or visual artist, we invite you to submit your work and help shape the next chapter of Jackson County JAM. Submissions should be emailed to: jcncjam@gmail.com
Applications open July 1 and close July 31.
Bring your creativity. Celebrate Appalachian culture. Leave your mark on JAM.
About JAM
The Junior Appalachian Musicians program provides young people with opportunities to learn traditional Appalachian music directly from skilled local musicians. Supported in part through the Traditional Arts Program for Students (TAPS), JAM helps preserve the cultural heritage of our region while fostering creativity, confidence, and community among students.
