Calling all Alabama public school students grades k-12. Enter AASB's 75th Anniversary Student Art Contest. Winners will share in prize money totaling $3,000.

The Alabama Association of School Boards is accepting entries from public school students (grades k-12) for its 75th Anniversary Student Art Contest. Download Official Rules & Guidelines.

This contest theme is "Diamond Legacy: Illuminating 75 Years of Education Leadership in Alabama." Submissions should illustrate and celebrate the illuminating power of school board leadership and education in the state of Alabama. Let your creativity sparkle!

Eligibility and Entry

• The contest is open to all Alabama public school students in grades K-12.
• There is no fee to enter the contest.
• All entries must be received by October 18, 2024, at 11:59 pm Central Time (CT). No extensions will be granted.
• Submissions must be made using the ONLINE CONTEST ENTRY FORM. 

Artwork Requirements

• All artwork must be an original work by the contestant and shall not infringe on any copyrights or any other rights of any third parties.
• The artwork must be 2D, such as a painting or drawing. Acceptable media includes but is not limited to, paint, pencil, marker, crayon, ink, felt, and oil pastel.
• Digitally created artwork and photographs are not accepted.
• A.I.-generated artwork is not accepted.
• Maximum size for artwork is 26" x 32."
• Artwork should be student-produced and in good taste. 

Submission Guidelines

Judging for this contest will be conducted virtually based on photographs submitted online of the student's original artwork.

• All submissions must be made by an individual artist. Group submissions are not permitted.
• Applicants may submit only 1 art piece (1 art piece per student).
• Applicants must fill out all required information on the ONLINE ENTRY FORM
• All entries for students under 18 years of age must include a SIGNED PARENT RELEASE FORM
• Applicants must upload a high-resolution, high-quality photograph or full-color scan of the original artwork. 
  TIPS: (1) Ensure your digital image is clear and accurately represents your work, as it will be used for judging; (2) Most smartphones or digital cameras can produce suitable images if a scanner is unavailable.
• All participants must provide parent/guardian and school contact information. 

Selection Criteria

Entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges selected by AASB and will be evaluated based on:

1. Theme Interpretation: How well does the artwork reflect the contest theme "Diamond Legacy: 75 Years of Illuminating Education Leadership in Alabama"? Does it effectively convey the ideas of educational leadership, progress and the illuminating power of education?
2. Creativity and Originality: How unique and innovative is the artwork? Does it present a fresh perspective or approach to the theme?
3. Artistic Skill: Considering the artist's grade level, how well-executed is the artwork in terms of technique, use of media, and overall quality?
4. Visual Impact: How visually striking is the artwork? Does it immediately capture attention and leave a lasting impression?
5. Composition and Design: How well-organized are the elements within the artwork? Is there a clear focal point and good use of space?
6. Emotional Resonance:  Does the artwork evoke emotion or inspire reflection on the importance of education and leadership?
   

Judging and Prizes

• Winners will be awarded in two categories: grades K-5 and grades 6-12.
• The first place winner in each category will receive $1,000 in prize money.
• The second place winner in each category will receive $500 in prize money.
• All contest submissions will be shared on AASB's website, AlabamaSchoolBoards.org and on AASB's social media platforms. 
• Winners will be recognized and receive prizes on Saturday, December 7, 2024, during the closing session of AASB's Annual Convention at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa.
• All contest participants will receive a digital certificate of participation.

Additional Rules

• Winners will be required to mail the original artwork to AASB for temporary display at the association's Annual Convention Dec. 5-7, 2024, at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa, and permanent display at the Alabama Association of School Boards headquarters in Montgomery. Original artwork will not be returned.
• AASB reserves the right to disqualify artwork deemed offensive or plagiarized.
• Entries that do not comply with all contest rules will be disqualified.
• All winners and their parent/guardian and school will be contacted before the AASB announces the winning entries.

Rights and Usage

• All submissions may be used to promote the AASB 75th Anniversary Student Art Contest, education and the work of the Alabama Association of School Boards in all media.
• Artwork, art descriptions, and student information (i.e., name, school, grade) may be used in publications and distributed to the media.

Contest Timeline

• Monday, Aug. 12, 2024: Contest Opens for Entries via ONLINE ENTRY FORM
  
  
• Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, 11:59 p.m.: Contest Submission Deadline
  
  
• Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024: Winners notified 
  
  
• Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024: Prize Presentation & Recognition of Winners will take place at the 8:30 a.m. closing general session of AASB's Annual Convention at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa.