One Challenge. Two Destinations. Endless Imagination.
2026 Student Decorating Challenge
22 student teams bring their creativity to life through larger-than-life public art—12 displays at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens and 10 at Jacksonville Beach Deck The Chairs.
For 2026, 22 student art programs are exploring how people and wildlife can thrive together. Inspired by educational guidance from the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, students will turn research, ideas and imagination into illuminated public art.
Each participating program receives a $500 decorating stipend, with finished works exhibited for five weeks at Jacksonville Beach Deck The Chairs and the Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
Student Challenge
At Jacksonville Beach
Deck The Chairs
1. Beaches Chapel School
2. Clay County Academy
3. Discovery School
4. Duval Charter at Coastal
5. Fletcher HS, Interact
6. Fletcher Middle School
7. Global Leadership Academy ARTS
8. Mayport Coastal Sciences MS
9. Sandalwood HS
10. Seaside Charter School
Student Challenge
At Jacksonville Zoo And Botanical Gardens
1. Daniel Kids
2. Darnell Cookman Jr./Sr. High
3. DePaul School of NE FL
4. Episcopal HS
5. Engelwood HS
6. Ft. Caroline Urban Arts Academy
7. Girls of Virtue - Men of Vision
8. Homeschool Fun Club
9. LaVilla School of the Arts
10. Nease HS - Bergman
11. River City Science Academy Southeast
12. The Foundation Academy