Polk Museum of Art Welcomes the Return of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Lakeland, FL (November 16, 2021) – The Polk Museum of Art is excited once again to partner with Scholastic to host the Annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for Florida’s Polk County Art Region. Presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Awards initiative invites students grades 7-12 (ages 13 and up) to submit their original works created across all media from writing to fine art for a chance to have their work recognized in the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition program.

Since 1923, the Awards have celebrated and fostered student creativity of all forms, and distinguished award recipients have included world-famous writers and artists, including author Stephen King and Pop artist Andy Warhol. With the Polk Museum hosting the competition and exhibiting submitted works from throughout Polk County, regional students will again have the amazing chance for a second year to count themselves among the ranks of some of the most well-known artists of all time.

“We are thrilled to host the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards again this year,” states Ellen Chastain, education manager for the Museum. “Last year, we exhibited 113 artworks, three of which went on to receive national recognition and awards in the visual arts category. We hope to receive even more submissions from Polk County students this year and welcome all eligible students to apply.”

Public, private, and homeschool students are encouraged to submit original work in 28 different art and writing categories, including painting, printmaking, fashion design, poetry, flash fiction, architecture, and more. Once submitted, students will have a chance to have their work displayed at the Polk Museum of Art, win scholarships, and see their creations recognized nationally.

“The Polk Museum of Art’s 55-year mission has centered on arts education for learners of all ages, and we can think of no stronger ally in affirming our guiding principle than Scholastic,” said Dr. Alex Rich, executive director and chief curator of the Museum. “Scholastic embodies the height of educational and creative accomplishment, and we feel privileged to partner again to bring this amazing opportunity to area students to showcase and celebrate their artistic achievements across media.”

The deadline for submissions is December 12. For more information or to submit works, visit PolkMuseumofArt.org/Scholastic. Students accepted into the exhibition will be able to view their artwork in the Polk Museum of Art Student Gallery from Saturday, March 26, 2022 through April 24, 2022.