Sweep the Beach Trash Art Contest 2026

Turn beach cleanup into creative expression at the Sweep the Beach Trash Art Contest, running March 1 – April 1 on the Outer Banks. Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites in partnership with Dare Arts Council, the contest invites artists of all ages to transform litter collected from local beaches and sounds into meaningful works of art.

Submitted pieces will be displayed along the TrART Walk at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing, highlighting both creativity and the importance of protecting the coastal environment. Select artworks will later be featured during Earth Fair OBX on April 25 at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, where contest winners will be announced at the Kitty Hawk Kites booth at 3:45 PM.

Artists can compete for $250 prizes in several categories, including People’s Choice, Youth Award (age 12 and under), Best Plastics Art, and Best Litter Art. Submissions are accepted through March 30 at the Kitty Hawk Kites Flagship Store, and artwork must be made from collected beach litter and durable enough for outdoor display.

This unique community project celebrates environmental stewardship, creativity, and the beauty of the Outer Banks, turning debris from the shore into powerful reminders of why protecting our coast matters.