BCRTA Launches First-Ever Student Art Contest: “Sketch to Street”

March 3, 2026

Hamilton, OH. The Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever Student Art Contest, Sketch to Street! This exciting new competition invites high school students across Butler County to bring their creativity to life — with one winning design to be transformed into a bus wrap that will roll through the community starting in May 2026.

The contest opens March 1 and runs through March 31, 2026. Students currently enrolled in any Butler County high school, homeschool program, or art class are eligible to participate.

This year’s theme, “The Road to 250: Honoring America’s Journey,” invites students to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday by creating original artwork that reflects the United States’ story, progress, and future — while connecting to transit, movement, or travel.

“We’re excited to host our very first art contest and to partner with our county’s high school students to showcase their incredible talents,” said Shawn Cowan, BCRTA, Director of Customer Care and Public Engagement. “This project not only celebrates artistic creativity, but also highlights how public transit connects people, places, and stories across our community.”

Entries may include hand-drawn or painted artwork, digital illustrations, or photography-based compositions, and must be submitted using official templates available online at butlercountyrta.com/sketch-to-street. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on March 31, 2026.

The winning design will be unveiled in early May, when the custom bus wrap officially hits the road, turning one student’s “sketch” into a piece of moving art.