Calling All Artists! UAlbany's Annual Holiday Card Art Contest Opens

By Amy Geduldig  

ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 3, 2026) —  It's the most wonderful time of the year, UAlbany’s annual Holiday Card Contest. Students are invited to submit original artwork that showcases their talent and celebrates the season. Launched in 2018 by President Rodríguez, the contest has become a campus tradition, spotlighting student artistry during the holiday season.

Entries must be submitted through the University Holiday Card Design Contest website by 5 p.m. on Nov. 30. The three finalists will be recognized at an unveiling ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 8, and the winner will be revealed.  

The first-place design will be featured on the University’s digital holiday card, which will be shared digitally with the campus community, donors, and friends of UAlbany. All three finalists will receive scholarships from the University, credited to their student accounts. The first-place winner will be awarded a $1,500 scholarship, while second and third place artists will receive $1000 and $750, respectively.  

Last year’s winning design, created by Sara Sadaat — a human biology major from Queens, N. Y. — depicted two best friends enjoying a snowfall on campus. Graduate student Danielle Iris-Perez Duffy earned second place for her depiction of a snowball fight on Bob Ford Field and undergraduate student Kiran Jadhav placed third with a design featuring students building a Great Dane snow dog on the podium.

Submissions can include drawings, paintings, illustrations, photography or digital art. Designs must incorporate winter themes and imagery; submissions that include imagery specific to specific holidays will not be considered. A panel of judges will select the winners.

All UAlbany students in good academic and judicial standing are eligible to submit one entry each via the official entry form. Contest details and the entry form are available on the contest website.