District-Themed Art Contests (Artwork, Poem)

PRIZES 

Blue (1st place), red (2nd place), and white (3rd place) ribbons will be awarded in the following category:

• Best District Poem

One blue (1st place) ribbon will be awarded in the following category:

• Best District Artwork

RULES

1. Individuals may not submit more than one entry for each of the categories listed above.

2. Entries must be original works of art, and completed within the past two years, and not previously exhibited at the DC State Fair. Entries for artwork cannot use published patterns or be copies/prints of the individual’s original work.

3. Entries for artwork are limited to a maximum size of 36 inches in any direction. 

4. Entries for artwork can be a painting, drawing, or made from mixed media.

5. Entries for artwork should not contain parts that expose the public, judges, or volunteers to injury (i.e., sharp edges or points).

6. The DC State Fair is not responsible for any damage to entries.

JUDGING CRITERIA

For District Poem:

1. Creativity/Originality (40%)

   1. Poem is notable in its meaning and uniqueness. 

2. Coherence of Form and Structure (30%)

   1. Poem conveys a pleasing harmony of words.

3. Clarity of Imagery and Language (30%)

   1. Poem conveys its meaning in a vivid way.

For District Artwork:

1. Design (40%)

   1. Artwork has appealing and interesting shape, form, color, proportion, and/or texture.

2. Concept and Creativity (30%)

   1. Artwork exhibits meaning and originality.

3. Skill and Handling of Medium (30%)

   1. Artwork conveys mastery of the medium.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

For District Poem:

1. Register for the poem contest at https://www.dcstatefair.org/2025-contests by 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15.

2. Submit a document (Word or PDF) of your entry at https://forms.gle/2XvW6nPFciP9tu4k7 by 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15. Note that uploading documents to that form requires a Google account sign in. If you are unable to access or submit the form, please send your photo submission to contests@dcstatefair.org, with the subject line “Poem Contest Submission.” In the email, include your name, the email you used to register for the contest, and the name of the entry. 

For District Artwork:

1. Register for the artwork contest at https://www.dcstatefair.org/2025-contests by 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15.

2. Bring your entry, accompanied with a removable label that includes your name, the contest category, and the name of the entry, to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library at 901 G St NW on Saturday, August 23 between 11 am and 1 pm. Exact room location will be sent closer to the date.