Art Contest

1. Determine the pertinent information about your art contest.
   • Will your contest have a theme?
   • What grades will you include in your contest?  We found it best to create three categories (Grades K-5, Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12). We chose 25 finalists and 1 winner from each category.
   • What types of art will you accept? We accepted drawings, paintings, mixed media art and digital art.
   • What size must the work be? We only accepted 8.5 x 11″ art. This is important when displaying the art.
   • How will the artwork be judged? We judged the work on creativity, how well it fits the theme, and quality of the picture.
   • What is the deadline to receive artwork?
   • How will they get the artwork to you? We accepted the artwork via mail.
   • Will you give a prize? If so, what?
   • When will you notify the finalists?
   • How many finalists will you have?
   • When will you notify the winner(s)?
   • Will you provide free admission tickets to the finalists and their parent/guardian?
2. Create a flyer that includes the pertinent information.
3. You may consider creating official rules if your Club deems it necessary.
4. Create a list of local schools in your area. If your event takes place in the summer, you will need to plan ahead to ensure that you have the art prior to the end of the school year.
5. Reach out to the schools at least 4 weeks before the deadline for your art contest. We found it best to contact the school secretary and request that they disperse the flyer. Be sure to include an entry form they must submit with the artwork.
6. Collect your entries.
7. Determine a way that you will choose the finalists and make your selection.
8. Notify the finalists by the deadline you gave.  Communicate with the attendees regarding where they should come and when they should arrive, as well as any other reminders you feel they need.
9. Determine a way to choose the winner(s) and make your selection.
10. Order prizes (if applicable).
11. Determine how and where you will display the art at your event.
12. If you plan to give free admission tickets to the art contest attendees, determine how you will do so and send the tickets in advance if necessary.

1. Set up the artwork displays in a prominent location that will allow space for visitors.
2. You may choose to place ribbons on the artwork.  We awarded each finalist with a ribbon and each winner with a rosette.
3. Ensure that Club members greet the visitors.
4. You may choose to award the winners their prizes at the event.

Communication Templates

1. Three months before your event (or six months if your event is in the Summer): Begin planning the details of your art contest.
2. Two months before your event: Create a flyer and send to school secretaries in your area.
3. Four weeks before your event: Deadline for all art contest entries.
4. Four weeks before your event: Choose finalists and winners.
5. Four weeks before your event: Order prizes and materials for displaying artwork.
6. Four weeks before your event: Notify finalists and invite them to attend.
7. Two weeks before your event: Send reminder to attendees.

Example Art Contest Entry Form

We are here to answer any questions you may have. You can contact us by email at publiced@akc.org or by phone at 919-816-3796.