It’s time to put your creativity to the test! Washington Poison Center and Seattle Children’s invite students from Kindergarten through 12th grade to take up their markers, colored pencils, and paintbrushes to participate in our 20th annual Poison Prevention Poster Contest. The 2026 theme is “Pick Your Poison.”
Here’s how it works:
- Pick a poison: choose a harmful substance (like a chemical, toxic plant, or local venomous animal)
- Learn about it: explore how your selected poison affects people and how to prevent poisoning from it
- Get creative: design an eye-catching poster that helps people understand your poison and how they can stay safe around it
- Win a prize: winners will be celebrated in multiple age categories
Your artwork can make a difference by educating our communities about poison prevention. We can’t wait to see your submissions!
Contest Schedule:
- Contest begins: December 15, 2025
- Submit your poster by: February 1, 2026
- Posters will be judged by Washington Poison Center and Seattle Children’s staff throughout February 2026
- Winners will be announced during National Poison Prevention Week: March 15-21, 2026
We’ll choose 4 winners:
- Kindergarten – 2nd grade
- 3rd – 5th grade
- 6th – 8th grade
- 9th – 12th grade
Our Kindergarten – 2nd grade and 3rd – 5th grade winners will receive a gift card to Michaels (art and craft supply store) and a class party with the one and only Mr. Yuk. The 6th – 8th grade and 9 – 12th grade winners will receive an iPad and a visit with their local legislators.
All of our winners will be recognized in a press release, newsletter, and on our social media platforms!
Contest rules
- Eligibility requirements: any Washington student in Kindergarten – 12th grade. Students may be home schooled, in private school, or public school.
- Size: 8.5 x 11″ paper
- We will accept paintings, drawings, digital art, comics, and collage. AI generated art will not be accepted
- We recommend that posters be primarily visual, using images, symbols, or graphics to convey the message. Text should be limited to only key facts or essential points rather than full write-ups.
- Your poster must include a reference to calling Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222
- Optional: depending on the poison you choose, you may include a reference to using Mr. Yuk stickers
- Only one poster submission per child