Poster Contests in the Learner-Directed Classroom

Common Yellow Throat by "J," Grade 7

Art teaches are frequently solicited to have students participate in Poster Contests. I get requests for everything from "Responsible Finance" to "Fire Safety." Organizations are eager to have community involvement in their cause, to raise visibility of their good work, and to educate children on a wide range of issues, all through poster design contests. Rather than picking and choosing which, if any,  contests to spend our valuable art time pursing, I offer the option to students and let them choose whether or not they wish to design & contribute artwork for these causes. 

 7th Grader "J" did a beautiful job this week for the North Branch Nature Center's Bird Drawing Contest.  She combined a colored-pencil drawing with glossy magazine colors & textures for a unique interpretation of a Common Yellow Throat in its natural habitat. Now we cross our fingers and wait for the awards announcement on June 1st to see if her mixed media entry is a winner! It's a winner in my book already!