Third Annual Student Art Contest

February 17 2023


The 3rd Annual Crafty Mercantile/Opal Center Student Art Contest is now open for submissions. Student artists ages 5–18, who live in Cottage Grove or surrounding areas are invited to participate by creating and submitting original artwork.

There are 4 age categories, 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-18. Prizes include, art supplies, gift certificates, art classes and more.

You can use any medium but pieces must be able to be hung or displayed on a table.

You can enter up to 3 pieces but one is just fine as well.

Label your entry with your name, age and contact information.

Fill out the release form.

Drop off pieces at The Crafty Mercantile, 517 East Main Street, Cottage Grove

Contest is open from March 2nd- April 1, 2023.

Winner’s will be notified after April 7, 2023 Pieces will be displayed in the windows of The Opal Center.

What are the judging criteria?

All properly labeled entries will be judged by a panel of area artists.

Judges are looking for:

  • innovative presentation
  • unusual perspective or viewpoint
  • a message or idea that is being conveyed
  • skill with the medium appropriate to the age group (although sometimes the significance of the message is more important than the medium)
  • colors coordinated or contrasted for emotional impact
  • design elements that work together


The Crafty Mercantile/ Opal Center Student Art Contest

Entrant’s Name:_______________________________________________

Entrant’s Age:_________________________________________________

Entrant’s Address:______________________________________________

Parent or Guardian:_____________________________________________

Parent or Guardian Contact:_______________________________________

Title of Piece:___________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Is there anything you would like to share about your artwork? _____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________



By signing this release form you give The Crafty Mercantile/The Opal Center for Arts and Education permission perpetual royalty free license to reproduce the art in promotional and marketing materials such as, social media releases, brochures and exhibits.

Signature of Parent or Guardian:_______________________________________________

Printed Name:________________________________________________________________

Date:________________________________________________________________________

The Crafty Mercantile