All applications for an Arkansas Art Educators Presidents' Foundation mini-grant must be postmarked by January 17, 2018.

More information about the grant program is available here on our website.

Click here to download the application. Good luck!

Who’s Eligible:
All public, private, charter and home-schooled high school students (Grades 9-12) who reside in Arkansas are eligible.

2018 Competition’s Theme: Natural Wonders
Our 2018 theme, “Natural Wonders,” welcomes artwork that is inspired by nature, music, science, natural products, resources and environments. “Natural Wonders” can be interpreted quite widely, bringing together a broad range of elements and ideas. Art submissions should be more than a simple landscape. They should communicate a real message and purpose, as well as provoke an emotion. As you begin evaluating the subject matter for your art submissions, please consider the following questions related to our 2018 theme, “Natural Wonders.”

• What celebrates our Natural State and our World?
• How do you interpret your surroundings?
• What is strange or surprising? What fills us with amazement or awe?

Submission Requirements:

• Artwork must be submitted by a high school teacher or representative
• Each high school teacher/representative may submit up to 15 pieces of artwork. Please note that this is a juried show. Entries are NOT guaranteed acceptance.
• There are NO fees associated with submission
• ANY piece created by students at any time during their high school education may be submitted. However, reproductions are NOT allowed.
• Photograph entries (8X10 minimum) are limited to 5 photos per student.

Media Specifications:

• Work must not exceed 40 inches wide by 40 inches high.
• Minimum size is 11 X 14.
• Work must be physical, tangible, and available to be displayed for the duration of the exhibition. All winning submissions must be ready to hang for a professional gallery. No tape with wire or string will be allowed. Pastel and charcoal drawings must be sprayed with fixative.

HOW TO SUBMIT ARTWORK:
Each artwork submission must be uploaded online, using the following link: https://form.jotform.com/70814952764161. You will use this link for EACH individual piece of artwork submitted. Please keep the images free of identifying information (artist name, etc.) as this information will require cropping of the image. ENTRIES ARE ONLY ACCEPTED THROUGH THIS LINK. The link is also available at our website: www.friendsofthemansion.org

Entries MUST be UPLOADED no later than 6 p.m., February 21, 2018

Important Dates:

• February 21, 2018 - DEADLINE for uploaded submissions to: https://form.jotform.com/70814952764161
• Week of March 5, 2018 - Teachers/schools will be notified if submissions are selected for exhibition.
• March 29, 2018 – DEADLINE for selected works (gallery ready) to be delivered to Mansion.
• April 3, 2018 - The student exhibition at Governor’s Mansion begins.
• April 28, 2018 - Awards Reception/Recognition ceremony at Governor’s Mansion.

For more information, contact Sharon Morris at: sharon.morris@governor.arkansas.gov, or 501-324-9805

Are you looking for an opportunity to teach and also do personal work? There is a wonderful opportunity for all you arts/design folks in Helena for the coming year. The deadline has been extended on this community design residency, but is quick approaching!

Thrive is seeking 4 people to be part of the 2017-2018 class of its new Community Design Residency program.

As a Community Designer in residence, you'll be working with high school students enrolled in Central High School's EAST (environmental & spatial tech) program, mentoring them through the strategic design process and providing one-on-one expertise as they work on self-guided projects intended to address and/or solve local community challenges.

Additionally, you'll be part of creating a rich arts and design culture in an underserved (but rebounding) school district and community, exposing the next generation of creatives and problem-solvers to possibilities that they can’t yet imagine.

Apply before Monday, June 26 at http://www.thrivecenter.org/residency.

Congratulations to LaDawna Dillman, the recipient of the 2017 Arkansas Art Educators Presidents' Foundation Mini-Grant!