Art and the Trail to Eagle
Art is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Art Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 7 main requirements for Art. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Discuss the following with your counselor:
- a.What art is and what some of the different forms of art are.
- b.The importance of art to humankind.
- c.What art means to you and how art can make you feel.
- 2
Discuss with your counselor the following terms and elements of art: line, value, shape, form, space, color, and texture. Show examples of each element.
- 3
Discuss with your counselor the six principles of design: rhythm, balance, proportion, variety, emphasis, and unity.
- 4
Render a subject of your choice in FOUR of these ways: pen and ink, watercolors, pencil, pastels, oil paints, tempera, acrylics, charcoal, computer drawing or painting.
- 5
Do ONE of the following:
- a.Design something useful. Make a sketch or model of your design.
- b.Tell a story with a picture or pictures or using a 3-D rendering.
- c.Design a logo. Share your design with your counselor and explain the significance of your logo.
- 6
With your parent's permission and your counselor's approval, visit a museum, art exhibit, art gallery, artists' co-op, or artist's workshop.
- 7
Find out about three career opportunities in art. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Art Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Art, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Art is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 13 Art requirements for you.
Art Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Art merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Art is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Art merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Art in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Art merit badge?
Art is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Art can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Art merit badge have?
Art has 7 main requirements with 6 sub-requirements, for 13 items in total.
