Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

K-12 Student Art Contest 2025

The month of May is designated to recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. To celebrate our rich and diverse cultures, we are excited to announce our inaugural AAPI Heritage Month Art Contest for all students in the Memphis and Shelby County area.

We invite your students to showcase their knowledge of AAPI heritage, the impact of AAPI culture on their lives, and their artistic abilities.

DOWNLOADABLE CONTEST FLYER

GUIDELINES

  • Students must be enrolled in a K-12 program.

  • One submission per student.

  • Artwork must be created during the current school year.

  • Artwork must be original and created solely by the student named.

  • Artwork and completed submission form must be captured digitally and then emailed without any digital enhancements.

  • Artwork must be 2D, no 3D artwork will be accepted. All artwork should be created on a minimum size of 9” x12” and not exceeding 18” x 24”.

  • All mediums will be accepted, except for 3D artworks and unoriginal photos. Examples of accepted mediums can be but aren’t limited to Graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, markers, pastels, photography, collage, etc. 3D collage is acceptable as long as it is able to hang on a gallery wall.

  • If artwork is chosen as a winner, the artwork must be matted or mounted on poster board with an one and a half inch trim on all sides, for display. Canvas artwork does not need to be matted or mounted on display board but must be ready to hang.

AWARDS

Artwork will be judged by local art professionals in the following groupings:

  • Kindergarten – Second

  • Third – Fifth

  • Sixth -Ninth

  • Tenth -Twelfth 

  • Awards will be given to the first, second, and third place in each of the four grade divisions as well as Best in Show. Certificates of award and a sketchbook will be given to each awardee as well as the following gift card amount:

    • First place - $125 gift card to Art Center

    • Second place - $50 gift card to Art Center

    • Third place - $25 gift card to Art Center

    • Best in Show - $200 gift card to Art Center

  • The winning selections will be displayed at the Cossitt Library, 33 S. Front Street, Memphis, TN 38103 from Monday, April 28, 2025 - Saturday, May 17, 2025.

    • Opening reception and award presentation will be held at Cossitt Library on Wednesday, May 7th (TIME: TBA)

    • Winning artwork must be picked up during the week of May 19-23, 2025 from Shameka Carter, Contest Coordinator, at Cordova Elementary Optional School.

  • EXCITING UPDATE (as of March18)! Following the display at Cossitt Library, winning selections will be displayed at The Shops of Saddle Creek pop-up gallery with a public reception on May 24th (more details TBA).

    • Revised details regarding artwork pickup TBA.

 Judges consider:

  • How well submissions address the theme of the Contest

  • Demonstration of artistic voice, originality, and imagination

  • Craftsmanship, including quality, technique, and skill in chosen medium and attention to detail

SUBMISSION

Submit via email to  s.carter@adorndaily.com

  1. Completed and signed Submission Consent and Release Form

  2. Uploaded artwork or scanned file, less than 10 MB. Accepted file types: JPG, PNG, GIF, or PDF.

  • Artwork file must be labeled: “student’s last name_first name_school_art title”

  • Make sure your file is high resolution, not crooked, and can easily be viewed.

Please call Shameka Carter, AAPI Heritage Month Memphis Student Art Contest Coordinator, at (901) 504-5420 for any questions.

DEADLINE: Friday, March 28, 2025 by 5pm CST

Please hold on to all artwork until the notification of winners, so that winning artwork can be dropped off to Cordova Elementary Optional School, no later than Friday, April 18th. Winning artwork must include a submission release form signed by a teacher and guardian.

Ownership and License

Ownership in any submission shall remain the property of the contestant, but entry into this contest constitutes contestant’s irrevocable permission and consent that the contest organizers may display, copy, reproduce, enhance, print, sublicense, publish, distribute, and create derivative works for their purposes.

Submission of entry into this contest constitutes acceptance of all rules and conditions.