The Fantasy Creators visual arts and performing arts contest is in full swing at the Mancos school district, with only a few more days until submissions are closed. The fantasy-themed contest is a way to encourage students to find their creativity outside the classroom and in the medium of their choice, according to Mancos art teacher Alys Hansen.
This is the contest’s third year. The contest previously was held in the fall, but Hansen said decided to hold the contest in the spring this year.
“The kids are all creators in some kind of way, and so I wanted to create the opportunity for them to make anything, whether it's spoken word poetry or short stories or dances or TikTok videos, doing something that falls under the theme,” Hansen said.
Last year, the theme was a “mysteries of the deep” theme, while the first year was science fiction. This year, the theme is fantasy.
“It can be a really fun way to celebrate the kind of creations and creativity our kids have,” Hansen said.
Contest submissions will be accepted until March 4 at 4:30 p.m. Winners will be announced during the art show opening event March 13 at 5:30 p.m. Winners will receive prizes.
Submissions may include stories, essays, poetry, artwork, sculpture, music records, notated music, monologues, and dance pieces. First through third place will be awarded in four categories – kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grades, middle school and high school.
A panel of judges will determine the winners, and student names will be blocked from the view of judges to ensure fairness.
Hansen added that she is hoping to see more participation from high school students.
“Right now, I mostly have elementary entries. I don’t have any high school, and I know I’m going to be getting a whole bunch of middle school ones next week,” Hansen said. “The high school I’ve had a harder time getting to continually participate. We’ll see what happens.”
Hansen mentioned that some of the prizes this year come from Blick Art Materials, and includes “unique” art supplies. Other prizes given out in the past include wireless headphones and local gift cards.
Overall, feedback has been positive.
“The feedback is that it’s really fun,” Hansen said. “I’ve heard from more parents that they love that their kids are excited about doing art outside of school and that they feel inspired by different topics.”
Students who participate are also given a separate area of the art show to display their entries.
“They’re on display with the rest of the art show, but they stand out because they’re in a category all their own from having chosen to participate,” Hansen said. “There’s a lot of pride for having their work on the wall, even when they didn’t win … it’s also an opportunity to share creativity and creative thinking with others and just celebrate how much you (the students) like making things.”
Hansen added that she hopes this contest will help inspire students to keep creating and sharing their art with the world, noting that anyone can be an artist.
“I absolutely hope that they take that curiosity and creativity to just keep making. There's always a place where they can enter their artwork. There's always a place where they can be celebrated as artists,” Hansen said. “A huge part of what I want to celebrate is the intersection of all fields really coming together in a creative contest.”
Those with questions or in need of more information can contact Hansen at ahansen@mancosre6.org.
