Welcome to the 2025 Hands Unite Art Contest!
Welcome to the 2025 Hands Unite Art Contest!
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Rules & Guidelines
Theme: This is My Family
Contest Overview
Contest Overview
This is both an art and a writing contest where students create original artwork paired with creative writing, both reflecting the theme "This is My Family." Your artwork should be a visual reflection of your writing, and both components should work together as a unified piece.
Entry is FREE.
Important Dates:
Contest Open: August 20, 2025 - December 3, 2025
Entry Deadline: December 3, 2025, 7:00 PM CST
Late submissions will not be accepted!
Theme & Requirements
Theme & Requirements
Theme: This is My Family
Both your artwork and written piece must reflect this theme
Your artwork should visually represent your writing
Both components should work together as one unified creative piece
All work must be original and created by the student
One entry per student (no collaborations allowed)
Creative Inspiration to Spark Ideas
Creative Inspiration to Spark Ideas
People who make up your family (traditional or non-traditional family structures)
Family traditions, celebrations, and customs that bring you together
Cultural heritage — foods, music, language, or practices that connect your family
The unique connections and relationships that give you a sense of belonging
Artwork Specifications
What We Accept
What We Accept
Two-dimensional artwork only: drawings, paintings, hand-drawn, or hand-painted on paper or canvas ✔️
Size: Minimum 8"×10" – Maximum 11"×14" ✔️
Portrait orientation ONLY ✔️
Color or black and white artwork accepted ✔️
What We DO NOT Accept
What We DO NOT Accept
Computer or tablet-created art (Illustrator, Procreate, etc.) ❌
Photography, photo editing, or photo manipulation ❌
Digital collage or digitally altered images ❌
Landscape orientation ❌
Writing Requirements
Writing Requirements
Word Count by Grade Level:
Elementary (Grades 1–5): 25–50 words
Middle School (Grades 6–8): 50–75 words
High School (Grades 9–12): 75–125 words
⚠️ Important: Students must include the total word count at the bottom of their written work (Example: Word count: 47). Submissions that exceed or fall below word count requirements will have points deducted.
Writing Guidelines:
Format: Poem, short story, or personal narrative
Content: Must clearly connect to your artwork and "This is My Family" theme
Elementary (Grades 1–5): Handwritten submissions accepted if printed and legible. Typed submissions are appreciated but not required.
Middle & High School (Grades 6–12): Typed submissions required. Handwritten works will have points deducted.
Include word count: Add the total word count at the bottom of your written piece (Format: Word count: 47)
Submission Requirements:
Electronic Submissions: Submit here or use the submission button at the bottom of the page
Image Upload Requirements:
High-quality image (minimum 300 dpi)
Photo must be clear, well-lit, and not blurry
Required Information in Entry Form:
Title of your artwork
Title for your writing (may be the same or different)
Student's full name, grade, teacher, and school
Contact email address
Parent/guardian contact information (for individual entries)
Teacher email (for school-coordinated entries)
Entry Categories & Judging Criteria
Elementary School
Elementary School
(Grades 1–5)
(Grades 1–5)
Creativity and imagination
Theme interpretation
Age-appropriate skill level
Middle & High School
Middle & High School
(Grades 6–12):
(Grades 6–12):
Creativity and originality
Technical skill
Theme interpretation
Quality of written component
Awards & Recognition
Awards & Recognition
Winners will receive an anthology book featuring all winning works
Winners will be notified via submitted contact information
Award ceremony details will be provided to winners
Publication Rights
Selected works may be published with signed parent/guardian permission
Only the student's first name and grade will appear publicly
Contact Information Requirements:
⚠️ Critical: Provide accurate contact information in your entry form. If your artwork is selected for an award, you'll be notified through submitted emails and phone numbers. If we cannot reach you due to inactive contact information, you may lose the opportunity to receive your award.
Need Help?
Contact us at info@handsunite.org if you need assistance with:
Uploading your artwork
Scanning or photographing your artwork
Technical support
Plan ahead! Reach out early if you need technical help. This helps us manage our workload and ensures everyone who wants to participate has the opportunity to do so without last-minute stress.
Disqualification Reasons:
Entries below or above word count limits
Incorrect artwork format (size, orientation, digital art, etc.)
Poor image quality in the submission
Missing required components (artwork OR writing)
Late submission after the deadline
Non-original work or use of AI tools
Once you’re ready to submit your artwork, click here:
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