A Real Talent A.R.T. Contest

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Calling all young creators living in the DC-MD-VA area! OLMA Mater Foundation in collaboration with Art a La Carte Gallery are thrilled to announce the art contest for young artists living in the DMV area. 

This is your chance to showcase your original artwork, get it evaluated by a distinguished Jury Panel of professional artists, and win incredible prizes — including having your artwork featured at a weekend-long exhibit at Art a la Carte Gallery in Occoquan Historic District!

• Junior Category: 11–13 years old
• Teen Category: 14–18 years old

 To ensure fairness and authenticity, all submissions must strictly adhere to the following guidelines:

• Originality: Finished, original 2D artwork in any medium or technique, including collage, created within the last two years. Artwork may be inspired by your favorite characters or artists, but shouldn’t be an exact copy of that character, unless you’re making fun of it or incorporating it in your larger work, like a collage. No digital, AI-generated, or AI-assisted work would be accepted. 
• Independent Creation: Artwork must be created independently by the contestant, with minimal adult supervision.
• Dimensions: Minimum 8" x 10" | Maximum 16" x 20"
• Framing & Wiring: Selected artwork of six winners must be framed and include the wiring for exhibit installation.

 Six winners total (three in each age group) will be selected to have their artwork exhibited for a three-day weekend at Art a la Carte this October!

 Ages 11–13

• 1st Place: $200 Cash Prize
• 2nd Place: $75 Gift Certificate to shop at Art a la Carte
• 3rd Place: $25 Gift Certificate to shop at Art a la Carte

 Ages 14–18

• 1st Place: $200 Cash Prize
• 2nd Place: $100 Gift Certificate for art class(es) with OLMA Mater (Valid for two art classes for one person, or one class for two persons)
• 3rd Place: $50 Gift Certificate for art class with OLMA Mater (Valid for one class for one person)

 Note: All prizes are generously sponsored by OLMA Mater Foundation. 

•  July – August: Open call for submissions (Each submission is assigned a number)
• September: Jury Panel reviews all submissions and selects the winners
• Early October: Six winners are announced 
• Mid-October: Artwork of six winners is exhibited at Art a la Carte from Friday through Sunday

Ready to submit? Complete the following two steps!

 Click the button below to fill out the Google Form and attach images of your artwork. Parents must complete the form on behalf of contestants ages 11-17. 

 There is a $15 entry fee per contestant per artwork submission to help cover our administrative and exhibition costs. Your entry is not complete until payment is received. Each additional entry requires an additional $15 entry fee. You may increase your chances of winning by submitting more than one artwork. Up to three (3) artworks per contestant are allowed.

If you have any questions regarding the submission process and requirements, please reach out to the OLMA Mater team info@olmamater.org. 

We can't wait to see your incredible vision come to life! Best of luck and may your imagination run wild!