Kids' Art Contests (Drawing, Painting, Slime)

PRIZES

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

• Best Kids’ Drawing

• Best Kids’ Painting

• Best Kids’ Slime

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

• Best Kids' Creation Using Interlocking Blocks

RULES

1. Individuals submitting an entry must be 13 years old or younger and must have approval from their parent/guardian to participate.

2. All drawing and painting entries are to be two-dimensional on a single sheet of paper, no larger than 8.5” x 11”.

3. Individuals may submit up to two entries for drawing, painting and slime, and no more than one entry for creation using interlocking blocks.

4. For drawings, entries may be created by pencil, crayon, colored pencil, or marker. 

5. For paintings, entries may be created by paint, watercolor, or pastel.

6. For slime, each entry must have 10 ounces of slime or less. Entries must not use any of the following additives in ingredients: Borax (any pure or high concentration of borax diluted in liquid); thermo-chromatic pigment (heat sensitive color changing powder); aerosol sprays or Aerosol strings (silly string); any poisonous, explosive substance, or any harmful chemicals; any liquid detergents; parts that would expose the public, judges, or volunteers to injury (e.g., sharp edges or points). Entries must be submitted in a sealed bag or container with lid.

7. Entries must be original works of art in specified media, and completed within the past two years, and not previously exhibited at the DC State Fair.

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

JUDGING CRITERIA

For drawing, painting, or creation using interlocking blocks:

1. Design (40%)

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

2. Creativity (30%)

   1. Artwork exhibits originality.

3. Happiness (30%)

   1. Artwork brings joy to the judge.

For slime:

1. Appearance (40%)

   1. Slime has an appealing look that catches the eye and sparks curiosity.

2. Texture (20%)

   1. Slime has a pleasant texture when squished and can stretch some before it breaks.

3. Sound (20%)

   1. Slime makes a fun sound when squished.

4. Creativity (20%)

   1. Slime incorporates a unique combination of textures, colors, and ingredients.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Register for the kids’ art contest at https://www.dcstatefair.org/2025-contests by 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15. No walk-up registrations will be accepted. It’s recommended to register with the child’s name as the registrant and the parent’s email.

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.