Art Festivals

Designed to encourage fine art education, promote creativity and expression, and glorify Jesus using artistic talent and personal expression, ACSI’s art events provide an opportunity to recognize and exhibit outstanding student artwork.

There are two levels of Art Festival events available for schools to participate in: Elementary Art Festival (Grades K-6) and Secondary Art Festival (Grades 6-12). The Secondary Art Festival features specific categories and criteria to raise the level of expectation for students in grades 6-12. A school may enter a maximum of 24 entries in the Art Festival (Grades K-6) and a maximum of 24 entries in the Art Festival (Grades 6-12).

Art Festivals are hosted in-person by ACSI member schools; dates vary.

Elementary Art Festival (Grades K-6) 

This is not an exhaustive list; any medium will be accepted provided it fulfills all project requirements.

Secondary Art Festival (Grades 6-12)

Entries will be submitted in the category that best fits the intention of the art work and then in the section that describes the specific form. In addition to the categories above, the following categories will be accepted for Grades 6-12: 

Submission of Entries

Entries must be . . .

• In Good Taste – must not display or promote persons or ideas whose positions or work is in conflict with the Word of God or is dramatically inconsistent with Christian life and conduct. This festival is open to very young students, so pieces that can be frightening should not be selected as appropriate for this festival.
• Original – original compositions that are not copied from teachers’ sample projects or published material such as professional paintings, Pinterest ideas, stock photography or any published photo, prepackaged models or kits, magazines, illustrations, animated characters, or anyone else’s work. If a student uses someone else’s work as resource material, the resulting entry must be so unique that it creates a totally new piece of art.
• Current – completed during the current school year under the supervision of the teacher/art instructor and without any outside assistance.
• Quality – choose only the most excellent works as determined by your in-school art festival or selection process.
  

Adjudication & Awards

Each participating school will be asked to submit names and contact information for judges who would be qualified and willing to serve as adjudicators. The number of required judges will be determined by your event chairperson based on the number of estimated entries.

Entries are adjudicated based on a rubric rather than in direct comparison to other works. Superior, excellent, and good scores are awarded with ribbons. Usually a Best of Show is also recognized.

Registration & Fees

• School Registration Fee: $85 per event by October 13, 2023 ($105 after deadline)
• Student Participation Fee: $15 per entry due 30 days before the event ($5/student late fee after deadline)

For additional information, please contact a Student Leadership & Learning team member.