The Maryland Judiciary is inviting students to participate in the 14th annual Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest. This initiative encourages students from kindergarten through eighth grade across Maryland to create artwork promoting peaceful conflict resolution. The contest aligns with national Conflict Resolution Day, which falls on October 17.
Students are tasked with designing bookmarks that reflect themes such as peer mediation, talking things out, apologizing, respecting differences, solving problems together, listening, tolerance, building peace, inclusion, and alternatives to violence.
Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals Mary Ellen Barbera expressed the importance of this initiative: “We want to encourage students to resolve conflicts peacefully. Creating art provides an opportunity to think imaginatively about peacemaking and offers an exciting way to share ideas. We hope that by participating in this contest, students will engage in meaningful peer-to-peer discussions and will learn more about settling disputes without violence.”
Since its inception in 2005, the contest has grown in popularity. Last year saw participation from over 1,200 students statewide. Thirteen bookmarks were selected as winners with fourteen receiving honorable mentions.
Entries will be evaluated based on artistry, creativity, and message. Prizes for first place ($75), second place ($50), and third place ($25) will be awarded across three age categories: grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Winning designs will be printed and distributed throughout Maryland as part of a campaign to promote conflict resolution.
Winners and their families are invited to a ceremony on December 5 in Annapolis where Chief Judge Barbera will present the awards.
The Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) of the Maryland Judiciary sponsors the contest. Entries must be submitted by October 17. Further details including templates and submission instructions can be found on MACRO’s website at mdcourts.gov/bookmarkcontest.