ABOUT

The Teen Winter Creativity Contest is a self-expressive contest for writers, visual artists and photographers in grades 6-12. 

All three categories -- writing, photography and two-dimensional visual art -- are open-ended, meaning that, besides format, there are no writing or artistic limitations -  you are free to do what moves you!

You may submit something you’ve been working on or something new.

Entries will be accepted beginning December 16, 2024. The deadline for submission is February 16, 2025.

CATEGORIES & AWARDS

Categories for middle and high school:

• Writing - Middle School (grades 6-8)
• Writing - High School (grades 9-12)
• 2D visual art - Middle School (grades 6-8)
• 2D visual art - High School (grades 9-12)
• Photography - Middle School (grades 6-8)
• Photography - High School (grades 9-12)

Alexandria Library will distribute prizes in each category.

• 1st Prize - $100
• 2nd Prize - $50
• 3rd Prize - $25

Each participant will receive a certificate of award, merit or participation.

RULES & GUIDELINES

1)All entries must be received by Alexandria Library by 11:59PM on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

2) All entries must be by students in middle (grades 6-8) or high school (grades 9-12) who have a mailing address in Northern Virginia or the greater metropolitan DC area.

3) All work submitted must be original work.

4) One entry per student is permitted in each category (writing, 2D visual art and photography).

5) Writing: submit one copy of your written work online by 11:59PM on February 16, 2025, using the form below. Written work cannot exceed 25 pages.

6) Visual 2D art and photography: submit one copy of your work (or digital image of your work if not originally in digital format) using the form below by 11:59PM on February 16, 2025. All work must be submitted online. Only 2D (two-dimensional) digital work or a digital image of the work is accepted. We cannot accept digital images of 3D art, or physical items.

7) All entrants will be notified of the contest results in March, 2025.

Have a question? Please contact Youth Services here.

RESOURCES

Not quite sure what to write about?  Need some extra help when it comes to creating art?  Check out these resources from the library:

Biography in Context
Biographical essays on the world's most influential people.

Fine Arts and Music
Extensive resource for serious students of drama, music, art history, and filmmaking.

Creative Writing
Books and eBooks

Art Books
Books and eBooks

ENTRY FORMS

• Visual Art/Photography
• Writing