The art contest is open to students Kindergarten through grade twelve. Each student may submit one entry with their interpretation of “Dogs, Man’s Best Friend” The elements of judging are described in greater detail further. Each student is asked to pre-register their entry and they will be provided updates and assistance. The student’s final submission must be original artwork and will be judged by grade. All first prize winners shall compete for Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show. Any school that chooses to make this a curriculum item may enter all or choose their own in school winners for final entry. We will be glad to assist accordingly. Open entries are available for non-traditional or “home school” students. It is the exclusive domain of the student artist to choose composition, flat work medium and the subject matter whether purebred dog or a mixed breed to promote freedom of expression. The judging panel shall consist of local artists, art educators, AKC judges and fans of the arts and dogs.
Special Information for Supervising Adults
Please explain and discuss with your student/s or children the rules of the competition, the criteria upon which their artwork will be judged and the ethics of art. Simply put it must be an original work and not copied. Tracing or copying may have been utilized as a learning exercise however this is a contest for original expression. Students should express what they have learned or feel about the subject, Dogs, Man’s Best Friend, by developing their own ideas and portraying their own visual interpretation.
Preparing for the Art Contest
Student participants will create their vision of “Dogs, Man’s Best Friend” using pure bred or mixed breed dog or dogs as the subject matter. It is recommended that students study and read, reviewing pictures and videos. AKC.org is a great source for such information and learning material. A loved family pet might be the perfect subject. Hopefully students will have opportunities to learn more about our unique relationship with dogs. Students can visually express what they have learned about the subject they have chosen to depict. Students should consider the dogs anatomy, coat, coloration, unique characteristics, specialization and their own personal feelings. Decoratively designed or abstract expression will receive equal consideration as realistic depictions.
Aesthetic Considerations
Use the following to help students understand the meaning of aesthetic criteria and how to apply the criteria when developing their own illustrations. Younger students may benefit from a less formal discussion. Parents/supervising adult, when in doubt always refer to the professional art educator.
- Form: Is the subject anatomically correct or does the form express and convey the artists message?
- Expression: Does the composition overall reach the audience and invoke the intended expression?
- Texture/Line/Colors: Are the textures visually and physical appropriate? Are the details necessary, correct and effective? Are the colors appropriate for the selected subject and surrounding background? Does the artwork accurately depict the subject selected in action, habitat, environment in a realistic, decorative or abstract manner?
- Scale: Is the visual appropriate for the selected media and size?
- Clarity: Does the artwork communicate the purpose of the artist and can the elements be easily identified? Are there positive and negative areas and do they work together?
Original Student Design and Artwork
Educators and parents should not approve any student’s work if they have any doubt as to its authenticity or originality. Copyright infringement is a serious issue. Please help your student and /or child avoid plagiarism. By signing the entry, the student, parent and supervising adult are all verifying that the entry is the original artwork of the student. Please see original artwork requirements and technical requirements that follow.
Contest Deadlines
Mailed Entries:
must be postmarked by Monday October 12, 2019 and sent to: Salisbury Maryland Kennel Club, P.O. Box 1881, Salisbury, Md. 21802 or Holiday Real Estate, Inc. 7700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842
Physically Delivered Entries:
- Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 9:00am to 4:00pm only
Salisbury Maryland Kennel Club Training Center 31663 Winterplace Parkway, Salisbury, Md. 21804. - Monday, through Saturday, August through October 12, 2019 9:00 am to 2:00pm.
Holiday Real Estate, Inc. 7700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Md. 21842. - Other locations shall be announced as they become available and students may use easternshoreartcontest@gmail.com to make delivery appointments by October 5, 2019.
Who May Participate?
Kindergarten through 12th grade students are eligible to compete. A valid social security number is required for the award of monetary prizes. One entry per student.
