- Artwork must display what inclusion means to you in school.
- Art must be in black and white so that it can be colored in.
- Must be age-appropriate for elementary school students.
- Submissions can be created on a physical or digital canvas.
- The artwork should fit vertically on an 8.5×11 inch paper for printing.
A copy of the included entry form must be filled out and submitted with the artwork. Print all information clearly and fill out the form completely. Any submissions that include photographs of students must be accompanied by an authorization for release of the image with the form signed by the parent/legal guardian of each child pictured. Failure to provide authorization may disqualify entries.
Please note that all artwork submissions become the property of The Arc Maryland and will not be returned. Contest submissions may be used throughout the year in libraries, local businesses, and Disability Awareness campaigns, etc. in cooperation with Maryland schools and local Arc Chapters. Artwork may also be reproduced in newsletters, websites, social media, and other forms.
Judging Criteria
Winning entries will be selected based upon the following criteria:
- Adherence to the National theme: “Unity Within Our Community.”
- Creativity in showing inclusion.
- Clarity of drawn image: consideration for ease at which younger children may be able to color the page.
All submissions are due by Thursday, January 12, 2023. Any entries received after the stated deadline shall not be considered for an award.
The judging panel decisions are final. Schools with winning entries will be contacted by email or phone. Winning students, a parent or legal guardian, and teachers will be invited to be recognized during Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature, on February 22, 2023.
All artists whose works are selected for the coloring book will receive recognition, a small gift card (not to exceed $15). The top three submissions, as selected by contest judges, will receive additional prizes below!
Winning Entries
| First Place Honoree | Student – $75 gift card | School prize: $500 award |
| Second Place Honoree | Student – $50 gift card | School prize: $200 award |
| Third Place Honoree | Student – $25 gift card | School prize: $100 award |
Additional Information
For any questions or additional information, please contact Sharon Dols at The Arc Maryland via email at sdols@thearcmd.org.
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,201,464 with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.