Afrofuturism Teen Art Contest & Exhibit

Program Type:

Art, Movies & Music, Author & Literary Events, Community Events, Crafts, Fun & Games!, Culture & Language, DIY & Makerspace, Parents & Educators, Race, Equity & Inclusion

Age Group:

Teens
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.

Event Details

Grades 8-12   |   CALLING ALL ARTISTS!

Submit your art and possible win a $50 Target Gift Card!

In celebration of Black History Month, showcase your creativity and explore the themes of Afrofuturism.          

Your artwork could be featured in our Afrofuturism Art Exhibit, which coincides with a special author visit from author Lamar Giles.  The winning artist, voted on my our staff, will win a $50 gift card and be recognized at our Lamar Giles author event on February 24 and 6pm.

Afrofuturism is a cultural, artistic, and intellectual movement that combines science fiction, fantasy, and speculative storytelling with themes of African and African American culture, heritage, and history. It envisions an empowered future for African Americans. 

Participation allows you to contribute to an important conversation about representation and empowerment. We look forward to seeing your imagination come to life in this exciting and meaningful project. 

CONTEST DETAILS

  • Who:  For students in grades 8 -12
  • What:  Painting, drawing, digital art, or mixed media, no larger than 16”x20”.

Themes to Explore

  • Futuristic worlds inspired by African and African American culture
  • Black joy, empowerment, and resilience
  • Speculative or imaginative storytelling through art

Important dates 

  • Deadline:   Tuesday, February 18      
  • Display:    February 20 - 28, 2025.
  • Pick up:    March 7 - 31

 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 

Deadline: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 by 9 pm

Drop off your art addressed to: Cheryl Grimes, at Miller Branch: 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, 21042.  **Students MUST INCLUDE A COMPLETED RELEASE FORM, found on this page under "Attachments".

Pick Up: If your artwork is selected for our exhibit, you can pick it up March 7 - 31.

For questions or more information, contact Cheryl Grimes at cheryl.grimes@hclibrary.org

 

INSPIRATION

Movies

  • Black Panther
  • See you Yesterday,
  • Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Books

  • The Getaway & Ruin Road by Lamar Giles
  • The Beast Made of Night by Tochi Onyebuchi
  • Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
  • The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton
  • The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
  • Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
  • Shuri: A Black Panther Novel by Nic Stone
  • Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

 

RUBRIC

Use these guidelines to keep your artwork focused on the theme of the exhibit. We will only accept artwork that meets the following criteria. 

Theme Alignment:  The artwork clearly represents Afrofuturism, incorporating science fiction, fantasy, or speculative storytelling with themes of African and African American culture, heritage, and history.

Creativity and Originality:  The piece demonstrates unique and imaginative ideas that align with the exhibition’s celebration of black joy, resilience, and empowerment.

Cultural and Social Relevance:  The submission celebrates or uplifts black perspectives, joy, and identity, aligning with the goals of Black History Month.

Completeness & Presentation and Readiness:  The artwork appears thoughtfully completed, and appropriately prepared for display (e.g., clean, labeled, ready to hang or display).

Size:  Art must be no larger than 16”x20”

 

 We are looking forward to displaying your artwork at Miller!

For questions or more information, contact Cheryl Grimes at cheryl.grimes@hclibrary.org

This event is part of Miller's Afrofuturism Series for Black History Month, see other events HERE.  

This session is part of HCLS' Black History Month series. Please click here for the complete schedule of classes and events. 

FAM=Fun at Miller