Kids’ Art: Celebrate the Decades

Update: This contest has ended and the winners can be viewed here. Thank you to all who entered!

“In recent years, school curricula in the United States have shifted heavily toward common core subjects of reading and math, but what about the arts? Although some may regard art education as a luxury, simple creative activities are some of the building blocks of child development. Learning to create and appreciate visual aesthetics may be more important than ever to the development of the next generation of children as they grow up.”

Giving students a fun way to explore their creative side and an opportunity to be recognized for their talents is the goal of online curriculum provider K12‘s annual Art Contest.

Last year, students were challenged to illustrate their heroes. Some showed their expressions with pencils, some with chisels, some with oils, some with pixels. Students from around the world rose to the occasion and sent in amazing and inspirational examples of their hero-inspired creativity.

This year, in honor of the tenth annual celebration of the K12 Art Contest, the theme is “Decades.” What do you think of when someone mentions a certain decade? Do you think of the Model Ts from the early 1900s? The music and movies from the roaring 20s? Franklin Roosevelt and the many inventions of the 40s? The glam and fashion from the 80s? Or, maybe you think of flying cars in the future. We want to see the decades through your eyes. Send us your portrait, still life, action scene, space fantasy—whatever your kids’ art is, as long as it’s original!

Here are some important details to know about K12’s tenth annual Art Contest:

  • It’s open to all K12 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
  • A first, second, and third place winner will be chosen for each grade, and they will receive a canvas of their submitted artwork, a plaque of recognition, and a sketch book.
  • A winner will be chosen for each decade, and they will receive a canvas of their submitted artwork, a plaque of recognition, and a sketch book.
  • A Best in Show winner will be chosen in addition to the grade level winners, and they will receive a canvas of their submitted artwork, a plaque of recognition, and a sketch book.
  • Each and every student who submits their creative expression of the decades will receive a certificate of participation.
  • All finalists’ work will be featured in an online gallery.
  • All submissions must be received by 5 PM (ET) Friday, October 30 via this online site.
  • Complete details and contest rules can be found here.

Need some inspiration? Visit K12’s 2014 Art Contest finalists’ gallery.

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