Teen Art Contest Reflection

19th Annual Teen Art Contest

Date Published: November 03, 2026

Pikes Peak Library District’s (PPLD’S) theme for this year’s Teen Art Contest is Reflection.  

Reflection can be explored literally by taking inspiration from mirrored surfaces, light, shadow, or water, and symbolically through memory and perspective. Share your creative interpretations of observation and contemplation. Show us how you see the world in a new way. Enter your piece to win a prize!

Entries are judged by other teens, along with one award that is judged by PPLD staff. 

Important Dates

  • Apply online between Tue., Dec. 1 – Sat., Jan. 30
  • Drop off your artwork from Mon., Jan. 25 – Sat., Jan. 30
  • The awards ceremony is Sat., March 6, at 3 p.m. at East Library Community Room
  • Art will be on display throughout April at East Library, Library 21c, and Penrose Library
  • Pick up art from Mon., May 3 – Sat., May 8 

How to enter: 

Make sure you qualify: 

  • Must be ages 13 - 19 at time of submission. Must be an El Paso County resident. 

Create your art following these guidelines:

  • Create a piece of art inspired by this year’s theme: Reflection  
    • Artwork can be any medium, including, but not limited to, photography, painting, drawing, mixed media, collage, prints, ceramics, or fiber arts
    • There are no formal size requirements, however, there are guidelines: 
      • 2D work needs to be something we can safely hang on a wall and transport in a regular passenger car 
      • 3D work must be dropped off and displayed at East Library

Prepare your art:

  • 2D artwork must be framed, matted, or mounted for display on a wall. This helps protect it during transportation and while on display.
    • Pieces on canvas do not need additional protection. 
    • 2D submissions must have a hanging wire or other mechanism that is able to support being hung in our galley hanging wire system. 
    • There are several free or low-cost ways to attach a hook or D-Ring.  

Complete the online application: 

  • Applications will be open from Tue., Dec. 1 – Sat., Jan. 30 

Drop off your submission: 

Other Entry Guidelines:

  • Only one entry per person
  • Library Staff reserve the right to decline inappropriate entries 

Award Categories

  • Best in Show
  • 7th - 9th Grade Division: First Place, Second Place, and Coordinator's Choice  
  • 10th - 12th Grade Division: First Place, Second Place, and Coordinator's Choice

Winning participants will be notified by March 1, with specific awards announced at the awards ceremony on Sat., March 6, at 3 p.m. at East Library. All entries accepted into the show will be on display in April at East Library, Penrose Library, or Library 21c. 

FAQs

Can I submit a sculpture? 
This year we are including 3D art! All sculptural submissions must be dropped off and displayed at East Library. Please carefully pack your artwork for safe transport and storage. 

Do you have size requirements for pieces?
We have to be able to transport pieces between locations, so the limit on size is something that will fit in a typical vehicle and will be able to be safely hung on a wall. 

When will I know if I have won?
We will notify award winners by March 1. All participants, along with their friends and family, are invited to the Awards Ceremony on Sat., March 6, at 3 p.m. in the East Library Community Room. All participants will be recognized regardless of winning an award. 

Will my artwork be displayed?
Yes! Art will be displayed at Penrose Library, East Library, or Library 21c. 

When and where can I pick up my artwork?
Art can be picked up from Mon., May 3 – Sat., May 8 from the display location. An email will be sent in late March with specific display details. 

What can I do to improve my chances of winning? 
Work with the theme—It doesn’t have to be a literal interpretation. However, we do look for pieces that have been inspired by the theme in some way. Your artist statement describing your piece can have a big impact on this!

Stand out! Whether through subject matter or having an unusual take on the theme, unique entries get more notice. For example, we tend to get a lot of close-ups of eyes, so they don't stand out as much.

Have fun! Don’t view it as an assignment or chore. We can tell when someone submits a piece they are passionate about – make something you love! 

Do I have to have a matte? 
Mattes are preferred, but 2D artwork can be framed, matted, or mounted for display on a wall. Pieces are not judged on this, but it helps protect your artwork during storage and transportation. It also makes it much easier to safely hang your piece. Pieces on canvas do not need additional protection. 

I'm a teacher with an amazing class, can I enter them? 
Yes! Teachers can enter a class or classes of students. Students do not need to fill out an additional application form. Teachers will be responsible for communicating with participants about the award ceremony and art pick-up. 

My question wasn’t answered here. 
Email Jordan Romero at jromero@ppld.org.