Visual Arts involves creating a piece using visual elements to capture original thoughts and ideas. Judging prioritizes artistic vision, creativity, and relation to the theme over formal technique alone.
Accepted Forms: Architecture (2D/3D), carpentry, ceramics, collages, photographic collages, digital art/graphics, crafts, design, dioramas, drawing, fiberwork, jewelry, kites, metal etching/punch work, mobiles, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and wind chimes.
Non-Accepted Forms: Reproductions or enlargements of other existing artwork are strictly not accepted.
Digital & AI Tools: Digital software can be used to enhance or present work, but cannot serve as the primary design or concept. Details on tools, methods, and generative elements must be listed in the "Additional Details" field.
Copyright Restrictions: Plagiarized entries are disqualified. Copyrighted items (trademarks, public places) are allowed only if incidental to the work or transformed into a completely new artistic piece.
General: Must be new, original work by a single student inspired by the theme.
2D Artwork: Requires at least 1 digital image. Maximum dimensions: 24x30 inches (including matting). Paper entries must be mounted on sturdy material; no framed artwork.
3D Artwork: Requires at least 3 photos taken from different angles. Loose or assembly-required pieces are not accepted.
Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG. Write student information on the back.
Photography focuses on capturing thoughts and ideas through a camera lens using light, filters, and composition. Entries are judged primarily on artistic vision, theme representation, lighting, and location choices.
Accepted Forms: Single photo, panoramic, photomontage (single print of multiple photos), multiple exposure, negative sandwich, or photogram. Color and black-and-white photos are both accepted.
Non-Accepted Forms: Photos with added graphics or lettering, collages, collections, original film negatives/transparencies, or multidimensional pieces.
Digital Tools: Software can enhance or present the image, but must not provide the primary design. Use the "Additional Details" field to describe techniques or generative elements.
Copyright Restrictions: Plagiarized entries are disqualified. Copyrighted logos or trademarks are acceptable only if incidental to the overall image.
General: Must be new, original work created by one student.
Print Images: Sized between 3x5 inches and 8x10 inches. Mounted prints must not exceed 11x14 inches (including matting). No framed photos.
Digital Images: Minimum 640x960 pixels and 300 dpi resolution.
Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG. Write student details on the back.
Music Composition expresses original thoughts and ideas through sound. Judging focuses on musical structure, melody, rhythm, lyrics, emotion, and connection to the theme.
Styles & Instruments: All styles and combinations are welcome—including classical, jazz, pop, rock, electronic, hip hop, blues, choral, and traditional.
Performance: Students do not need to perform the piece themselves; live solo/group performances or software sound library performances are acceptable.
Software Rules: Software can be used for recording or notation, but algorithmic composition techniques are prohibited. Describe tools in the "Additional Details" field.
Score Requirements (Middle & High School): Must include a music score/notation (traditional or tablature) OR a written Reflective Statement (100 words or less) detailing technical creation steps.
General: Must be an original composition inspired by the theme.
Audio File: Maximum 5 minutes in length and up to 1,000 MB.
Accepted Formats: Audio: MP3, WAV. Notation (if applicable): PDF.
Copyright: Plagiarized material and copyrighted samples/works are strictly prohibited.
Literature uses written words to express original ideas. Judging centers on thematic connection, plot development, characterization, imagery, style, and symbolism.
Accepted Styles: Single literary works in prose, poetry, drama, reflective essay, narrative, or short story formats.
Non-Accepted Forms: Collections of works (such as collections of poems or short story compilations) are not accepted.
Dictation & Typing: Entries can be typed or transcribed by an assistant if directed completely by the student; original drafts must be attached.
Illustrations: Books or entries with student drawings are allowed, but only the written text is judged.
Languages: Non-English entries are welcome but must be accompanied by an English translation that preserves the original tone.
Length: Word count must not exceed 2,000 words.
Format: Handwritten or typed on 8.5x11 paper (one-sided only), with pages numbered. Digital file must be a PDF.
Copyright: Completely original work only; plagiarized material is disqualified.
Film Production involves creating an original movie where the student manages all screenwriting, directing, and editing. Judging focuses on narrative flow, visuals, audio design, editing, and thematic clarity.
Styles: Animation, Narrative stories, Documentaries, Experimental films, or Multimedia presentations.
Restrictions: PowerPoint or digital slide presentations are not allowed.
Editing & AI: Editing software and digital tools may enhance the entry but cannot create the core design. Detail methods in the "Additional Details" field.
Copyright & Music: Background music must be cited on the entry form (title, composer, performer). Copyrighted media is permitted only if incidental or transformed into a new work.
Length & Size: Video must not exceed 5 minutes and 1,000 MB.
Accepted Formats: MP4, MOV, AVI.
Student Participation: The student producer does not need to appear on camera, but all media/footage must be original student work.
Dance Choreography focuses on creating original movement. Entries are evaluated on choreographic choices, movement style, use of props, location, and overall thematic expression.
Accepted Styles: Ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, tap, folk dance, religious dance, color guard/indoor guard, ice dancing, and gymnastics floor routines.
Performers: The student must be the choreographer, but can perform solo, in a group, or direct other dancers.
Video Overlay Restrictions: Videos with added graphics, text, or lettering overlaid on top are not accepted.
Music Usage: Background music must be cited on the student entry form.
Length & Size: Maximum duration of 5 minutes and maximum file size of 1,000 MB.
Accepted Formats: MP4, MOV, AVI.
General: Must be a brand-new original work created by a single student.
The Accessible Arts Division is designed for students who identify as having a disability under IDEA or ADA (Section 504). It offers equal opportunity to participate by providing division-specific accommodations.
Entry Process: Check the Accessible Arts box on the Student Entry Form and choose a specific arts category and grade division.
Competition: Students compete and are awarded within the Accessible Arts Division across all submitted entries.
Assistive Devices: Use of adaptive technology or assistive equipment is fully permitted.
Non-Artistic Help: Assistants (parents, teachers) may perform physical tasks like typing, transcribing, or holding tools under the artist's direct guidance.
Details Field: Include an optional 10–100 word description in the "Additional Details" field explaining how support needs influenced the entry.
Assistants cannot influence the artistic vision or decision-making.
Assistants must not choose titles, write/edit artist statements, compose music, choreograph movement, or edit visual artwork/photos.