The Tapestry Blog: Students: ART. WRITE. NOW.

Traditional elementary art courses begin with looking at the art of the great acclaimed artists of the past and the present. Most everyone is familiar with Picasso, DiVinci, Monet, etc. The same is true for literature. We’ve probably all read some Shakespeare, and who could forget Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?”
These figures are worthy of all the acclaim they receive, but sometimes it can feel a bit daunting to compare your work with theirs. And who’s comparing, anyways?
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards highlight the work of students from all over the nation. Here’s their “About the Awards” blurb:

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have an impressive legacy dating back to 1923 and a noteworthy roster of past winners including Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Robert Redford and Joyce Carol Oates.

The Awards are an important opportunity for students to be recognized for their creative talents. Each year, the Alliance partners with more than 100 visual and literary-arts focused organizations across the country to bring The Awards to local communities. Teens in grades 7 through 12 can apply in 28 categories of art and writing for the chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited or published.

Submissions are juried by luminaries in the visual and literary arts, some of whom are past award recipients. Panelists look for works that best exemplify originality, technical skill and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.

To date, the Awards have encouraged over 13 million students, recognized more than 9 million young artists and writers, and made available more than $25 million in awards and scholarships. They continue to be the longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in the U.S., and the largest source of scholarships for young artists and writers.

The Gallery (found under the exhibitions tab) showcases hundreds of award-winning examples of work, ranging from all types of writing and art to architecture and videogames. Take a look at this work, because it can be just as, and even more inspiring than work created years ago. Inspiration can be found everywhere.