Is there a child you know that has an artistic side that needs to be unleashed? Well, by January 15, 2020, that child could be a part of the International Kids’ Owl Art Contest! In this contest, children can use their imagination to make two-dimensional creations, with owls as the main subject!
The contest started around 2004 for the Festival of Owls at the International Owl Center in Houston, Minn. The point was to involve the young community, but now the contest has become a worldwide competition. In past years, there were about 400-700 entries from about 24 countries. Last year, there were more than 4,444 entries from 37 different countries, which surpassed past years immensely! This year they plan for even more submissions.
One of the most notable aspects of the contest is the variety of art from children all over the globe. Last year, many artists who placed were from many different countries. This year there are already entries from Qatar, Greece, India, Belarus, Alaska, and North Carolina. A vast majority of the entries have been from different countries.
To enter in the contest, there are many requirements to be met. Some of the requirements are: Children must be 18 years of age or younger, the piece must be original art, two-dimesional (drawings, paintings, etc.), and the subject must be an owl. More rules can be found at www.festivalofowls.com/kids-art-contest.html.
Surely, you’re wondering about the prizes and placements for the winners of the contest. In past years, awards were given to first, second, and third place artists in each of the four age group categories (0-5, 6-9, 10-14, and 15-18), so everyone has a fair shot! The winners will receive certificates with special seals.
Entries will need to be received by the organization before January 15, 2020. They receive a large amount of entries, so they need time to judge before the start of the festival on March 6.
At the festival there are many things to do, such as a medallion hunt, live owl programs, owl nest box building, children’s hooting contest, and many other activities. The festival will last over a three-day span. Like the art contest, people from all over the globe visit the festival to see the only full weekend, all-owl festival in North America.
The festival started as a “hatch day” party when Alice the Great Horned Owl arrived at the center. For a while Alice was the only live animal at the center, so that kickstarted the attention that this organization has received.
It is very important for any artists who wish to enter to check the International Owl Center’s website for guidelines and more rules. There are very specific rules on labeling and mailing, so it is crucial to examine those rules.
The International Owl Center crew is excited to see your child’s, niece’s, nephew’s, or grandchildren’s work! Who knows? Maybe that child will be a winner!
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