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Call for Children's Art

J oin VSA arts to discover what "Art is..." by submitting a two or threedimensional work of art that reflects your perspective of what art is and why it is important. In May of 2005, the VSA arts affiliate in each state or country will select two pieces of art from these submissions to receive a certificate of recognition. The two selected artists will be eligible to participate in a national touring exhibit that will debut in Washington, D.C. Of the total artists selected for exhibit, five artists will be guests for the opening exhibit and reception. Read the press release. Open to students with and without disabilities, grades K-12, from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and participating countries. For more information about disabilities, please review VSA arts' Disability Awareness Guide, located under Resources at www.vsarts.org. Deadlines and mailing addresses vary by state. Check our deadlines by state for your deadline and mailing address. Download the Call for Children's Art  (also available in text only format) for detailed information on eligibility, guidelines, and creative ideas. Download the entry form (also available in text only format)and follow the guidelines. Mail your entry to the location, and by the deadline, as stipulated in the list of US state and countries addresses and deadlines. Browse our list of adaptive supplies and resources.  For more ideas read some art activities to try.

Art is created with skill and imagination. Art can be a painting, a collage, photography, music, poetry, creative writing, a theatrical performance such as a play or an opera, a film, a cartoon, computer graphic, and so much more. In many cultures, art has a practical purpose and is deeply connected to life, as in spiritual rituals involving masks and dance. Often the process of creating art is just as important as the final artwork. Most importantly, each persons opinion about art is unique and valid. What is art to you? Think about your own personal opinion of what art is. Write your thoughts down and express them in a picture.

An artist is someone who creates out of his or her imagination. Artists can make you feel emotions, recall memories, or think about the world in a new way. Artists can tell stories through quilts, dance, or book illustrations. Artists can decorate homes with furniture or paintings or decorate humans with jewelry or tattoos. Artists can also teach history or interpret current events through cartoons or painting, or invent materials and products. Anyone can be an artist because everyone has the ability to create. Have you ever met an artist? Create a portrait of your favorite artist in their studio.

Art is all around you. There is art inside your home, in books, music, schools, churches/synagogues/mosques, libraries, museums, and in theatrical and musical performances. Art can also be found in the designs of buildings and furniture. Some people believe that nature is art. There is art inside all of us. Where do you find art? Make a map or sketch of where you find art in your neighborhood. Or, simply draw your favorite piece of art and where it may be found right now.

Everyone should have access to the arts and engage in stimulating art activities that allow for exploration and expressing your unique perspective. The arts are simply an alternative way of understanding and communicating. Engaging in the arts means creating, experimenting, exploring, making choices, developing ideas, responding, and enjoying new experiences. Through art, we may look beyond ourselves, and respond to life in a whole new way. What does art mean to you? Show us in your paintings, sculptures, and drawings