The Maryland Judiciary is reaching out to young artists in the state to participate in its annual Conflict Resolution Day Student Bookmark Art Contest. The contest is open to students from kindergarten through eighth grade and aims to promote peacemaking through art. The event coincides with Conflict Resolution Day, which will be celebrated on Thursday, October 17, with a reception for the winners and their families.
Participants are encouraged to create bookmarks that reflect themes of conflict resolution or prevention. Suggested topics include peer mediation, communication, apologies, respect for differences, collaborative problem-solving, listening skills, tolerance, peacebuilding, and non-violent alternatives.
Entries will be evaluated based on creativity and message. Prizes will be awarded in three age categories: grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. First-place winners will receive $75; second-place winners will receive $50; and third-place winners will receive $25. Additionally, selected entries will be printed as bookmarks to help promote conflict resolution throughout Maryland.
An awards ceremony and reception honoring the winning students and their families will take place at the Courts of Appeal Building in Annapolis on October 17. Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera is set to present the awards. The top 1,000 entries will be displayed in the building's lobby from October 17 to November 21. Since its inception in 2005, the contest has grown significantly; last year it attracted over 1,200 submissions. The event is sponsored by the Maryland Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO).
Artwork submissions must be received by Tuesday, October 1. Entries can be created using a template available on MACRO’s website or any paper format not exceeding dimensions of three inches high by nine inches wide. Participants should ensure that each submission includes necessary details such as the student's name, age, grade level, school or program name if applicable, teacher’s name, and return address on the back of the artwork.
Submissions should not be folded and must be mailed or delivered to MACRO at 903 Commerce Rd., Annapolis, Md., 21401.
For further information about the contest contact Alecia Parker at 410-260-3540 or [email protected].
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at 410-260-1488 or [email protected].
The artwork featured is by Ariana Waclawiw who won first place in the sixth-to-eighth-grade category in last year's contest.