The Colorado Affiliate of the Scholastics Art & Writing Awards started over 70 years ago by a group of art educators from across the state. Over the years, the program has been a volunteer organization with teachers at the helm. With an annual 4,000 student artwork submissions to adjudicate, 800 state awards issued, a state ceremony with about 1,300 youth and families, and program celebration online for expanded engagement, it is no small feat to organize and arrange for the annual program.
With a desire to grow youth engagement and lessen the burden on educators, the program leaders implemented a new structure in 2019 to incorporate youth as leaders in the exhibition, promotion, and business side of the art competition. After three successful years with a handful of students, the program received a state grant to expand and provide a rigorous and robust program for youth that engages them in a way not possible without strong community and industry partnerships.
Fast forward to 2023 - over 35 students participated in the programming and 20 of the students were "Ambassadors" both within the Scholastics program and community. They not only assisted with in person programming such as the awards ceremony and exhibition install, they learned about the business of arts at the DAM, Meow Wolf, Meiningers, 40 West Gallery, Mile High Framing, the Mountain Music Festival, and Ink Lounge.
This school year, we continue to offer the Colorado Ambassador program for youth and continue to offer the exhibition and state awards ceremonies and events. In order to continue to serve the growth of the program and the robust exhibition needs, our volunteer team needs to grow in to an organization with defined roles and responsibilities and shared leadership plan. To meet these goals, the organization seeks to expand grants, philanthropic giving, and sponsorship to provide coordinator stipends and operational costs associated with selecting an executive director.
Colorado Art Awards, Inc. strives to further Colorado students through opportunities of recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships for their artwork allowing them to nurture and showcase remarkable artistic talent. We look for work that exemplifies originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7–12, ages 13+ and had been a program in Colorado since 1947.
Each year, thousands of Colorado youth enter an average of 5,000 pieces of artwork into the program with the Colorado Art Region of Scholastic Art & Writing. Through the process of blind adjudication, exhibitions of award-winning work, recognition, and awarding of scholarships on the state and national levels students have opportunities that would not be possible without this program.
Judges look for work that best exemplifies originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Students receiving Gold Keys, Silver Keys, Honorable Mentions, American Visions & Voices Nominations in the Spring of 2025 will receive Certificates of Merit.
Notable artists with a Colorado connection who've previously received Scholastic Art Awards are: Quang Ho, Dale Chrisman, Mel Silverman, Donald Lipski, Robert Redford, Hugh Grant and Cal Duran.
Gold Key works are then judged nationally by an impressive panel of creative–industry experts to receive National Medals, including Gold, Silver, American Visions & Voices, Portfolio Silver with Distinction or Portfolio Gold Medals and Special Awards.
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
The Colorado Art Awards Ambassador Program is designed to give students experience in the larger art world of the Denver Metro area during a school year.
Opportunities include working with area partners within the art business world, helping set up and take down the Scholastic Art Awards Show, helping run receptions and award ceremonies for the Scholastic Art Awards, working with gallery owners and museum staff to set up shows, helping to run the marketing campaign for Scholastic Art Awards, and community events with partner such as the Denver Art Museum and 40 West Gallery.
The 2024-2025 program will start in October and conclude in June. There will be two rounds for applications. The second round will be limited as space is available. For best consideration, youth should consider applying during Round 1. Students who apply and are accepted during Round 2 will start the program over winter break.
Students in the Front Range area will have in-person and virtual meetings and events. Students outside of the Front Range area will have virtual opportunities.
Organization name
Colorado Art Awards Inc
other names
The Colorado Affilate of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
2022
Tax id (EIN)
88-2736142
Category
Youth Development, Education, Arts, Culture & Humanities, Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
11946 SPRING DRIVECO, US
