2023 Summer Visual Art Challenge

Find Your Voice and express yourself

The event is part of our 2023 Summer Learning Challenge Find Your Voice. We look forward to this opportunity to celebrate our community’s creativity!

Our voices include not only the sounds we make, but the words we write, the art we create, the movements we perform, and the actions we take each day to impact our world. We use our voices to share stories, express ourselves, and spark change.

We encourage you to use this year's theme as inspiration to create and submit your paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, digital art and more!

Summer Visual Art Challenge
  • Categories are for teens entering 7th–9th Grade & 10th–12th Grade, and Adults age 18+.
  • The artwork must be original. You must be the creator of the artwork that is submitted to the contest. Your art must be your own original concept and not a copy of anyone else's copyrighted material. If your image infringes upon another's copyright it will be disqualified.
  • Entry forms must be legibly completed, signed and turned in with the artwork. Submissions by a minor must include a parent, or guardian’s signature.

Download 2023 Visual Art Challenge Form (PDF)


Submissions Accepted

Starting June 11

Artwork Must Be Received

By July 7 (Extended)

Gallery Exhibition

From July 10–July 25

Gallery Reception

Thursday, July 27, 6 PM


Entry Process

Complete the entry form by either downloading a PDF form, or by visiting Adult & Teen Services on the 2nd floor of the Library. Art should be submitted in person at the Adult & Teen Services Desk. For submissions to the Teen category, a parent or guardian’s signature is required.

  • Entry forms must be legibly completed and turned in with the artwork
  • All submissions must be received by 4 pm on Friday, July 7 (extended)
  • You must be in 7th–12th Grade or an Adult to submit. Submissions will be placed in one of three categories: Teens (7th–9th), Teens (10th–12th), and Adults
  • All submissions should be dropped off at the Adult & Teen Services Desk on the 2nd floor, along with a submission form
  • 1 submission per individual

Judging Criteria

  • Craftsmanship & Technique 
  • Creativity & Originality 
  • Personal Voice 
  • Guideline Adherence 

Prizes

  • First Place: Artist Prize Basket
  • Second Place: $25.00 Gift Card
  • Third Place: $10.00 Gift Card

Art Guidelines

  • The artwork must be original. It is required that your submission be your own original concept and not a copy of anyone else's copyrighted material. If your image infringes upon another's copyright, it will be disqualified
  • Any medium will be accepted, including, but not limited to, sculpture, photography, watercolor, chalk
  • Wall Piece: Finished pieces must be no larger than 12" x 16"
  • 3D items must be no larger than 1 ft x 1 ft x 1 ft and able to fit on a shelf
  • The art/object must be gallery ready. Artwork should be mounted onto matte board or other sturdy background, if unframed, and 3D objects should be able to sit on a shelf.
  • Artwork should be practical for a public space that is open 24/7. Please avoid submitting items that are too fragile, sharp, or small to be safe in such an environment.
  • Artwork must be “appropriate,” as it will be displayed in the library building. The library reserves the right to reject work deemed unsuitable for display in the library building.

The Library will be displaying your art piece throughout the month of July. Please make arrangements to pick up your art after the conclusion of the Art Gallery & Reception on Thursday, July 27. Art must be retrieved by 4 pm on Friday, August 4. Unclaimed artwork will not be stored at the Library.