Growing Works of Art is an arts and writing contest for students in grades K-8. This contest is hosted in partnership with UVM Extension and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, & Recreation.

2023 Contest Theme

Branching Out!

This year’s theme celebrates the connections we share with trees by creating a work of art and written story that showcases a meaningful experience where students have grown, changed, or learned something new because of the trees in our lives. Students will write a short story (one to three paragraphs) and create art illustrating their chosen tree.

2023 Contest Description

Want to incorporate in your classroom? Check out the supporting activity guide below.

Supporting Activity Guide

Contest Entry Form

Contest entries can be submitted via mail or email. All entries must include an entry form below.

Entries are due on March 10, 2023.

Entry Form (regular PDF)

Entry Form (fillable PDF)

Email entries (link to a folder or scanned document) send to: Rebecca.roy@vermont.gov.

Mailed entries can be sent to:

Rebecca Roy
1 National Life Drive, Davis 2
Montpelier, VT 05620-3801

Contest Prizes

One winner will be selected from each grade (K-8) and receive:

• Artwork and stories featured online.
• A Vermont State Parks punch pass ($30 value).
• Featured on WCAX’s “Across the Fence” television show (if possible in 2023).

Submission Guidelines

• Students currently enrolled in grades K-8 in Vermont are eligible to enter.
• One prize will be award per grade.
• Only one entry per student.
• Art must be original and no larger than 11 x 17 inches.
• It can be created in pen, pencil, crayon, pastels, paint, cloth, collage, photography or computer art.
• Entries must include the artwork and the written portion.
• A completed entry form must accompany the submission.
• Entry must be titled with the tree story title and signed in the lower right-hand corner.
• Teachers and club or organizational leaders may submit entries in groups as long as each individual submission has the completed entry form.
• Entries become the property of the Vermont Division of Forestry and will not be returned.
• Entries can be submitted electronically to Rebecca.roy@vermont.gov.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged on 50% creativity and originality, and 50% successful communication about their tree story.

Questions

Contact Rebecca Roy, Interpretive Program Manager at Rebecca.roy@vermont.gov.