Throughout the school year, Early, Middle and Senior Years visual artists are encouraged to take part in various art contests and art challenges. When individual prizes are awarded for the contests, they are given out in the following age-related categories: K-2, 3-5, MY and SY, with a first and second place winner for each category. Students whose submissions are also chosen for display purposes at the Board Office are also given a small art thank you gift.
International Dot Day
In September Early Years students are asked to participate in the International Dot Day Art Challenge by reading the book “The Dot" and creating their own art developed around a single dot. Prizes are awarded to the classes who take part, and a selection of submissions are put on display in the Board Office throughout the month of October.
Inktober In October, Early Years, Middle Years and Senior Years' artists are encouraged to participate in Inktober, an international, month-long art challenge. Students can submit one piece of art that uses ink as the main media. First and second place prizes are awarded by category, and the winning artwork and a selection of submissions are put on display in the Board Office for the month of November. This contest always yields high quality art from Kindergarten up to Grade 12.
SJASD Graphic Arts Contest
In November, Senior Years Graphic Arts students are encouraged to take part in SJASD's Graphic Arts Contest. First and second place winners are awarded prizes and their artwork as well as a selection of submissions are put on display at the Board Office for the month of December. The submissions are truly amazing!
Loo Roll Challenge
Once February rolls around, Early Years and Middle Years students participate in the Loo Roll Challenge, where students are inspired to create art out of toilet paper rolls! The young artists get very creative, and a variety of unique designs are submitted. It is a fun challenge! A selection of submissions are put on display in the Board Office for the month of March and participating classes receive a prize.
mARTch Contest
The month of March challenges all Early Years, Middle Years and Senior Years young artists to create a piece of art to submit to the mARTch contest. The SJASD Arts Coordinator chooses the media and students can submit one piece of art for the contest. Prizes are awarded for first and second place winners by age category and a selection of submissions are put on display in the Board Office for the month of April. It is always so much fun to see what our creative artists can make!
SJASD Photography Contest
The last contest of the school year is the Senior Years SJASD Photography Contest in April. The students outdo themselves capturing a variety of intriguing and beautiful photographs. First and second place prizes are awarded. The winners, along with a selection of submissions, are put on display in the Board Office for the month of May.
Graduation PowWow Visual Arts Exhibition
June brings the Graduation PowWow, which has grown to include a Visual Arts Exhibition of Indigenous-inspired artwork. All students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 are encouraged to submit work to this art exhibition. The submissions are beautiful, moving, and poignant. Community members are encouraged to attend the PowWow and take in the artwork.
