WHAT IS RESPONSE?

The Old Jail Art Center (OJAC) in Albany, Texas invites area students (ages 13-18) to write a creative essay based on a visual artwork.

Students from any JH/HS school in Region 14 (or at a participating Art-to-Go Campus) grades 7-12 or ages 13-18 are eligible to enter this contest. 

A pre-selected work of art from the museum collection will serve as the inspiration for the student’s creative text. 

Essays will be judged by a panel of museum staff based on criteria of originality, creativity, and clarity. 

The winning essayist will be awarded a $500 cash prize courtesy of First Financial Bank. 

In addition, the winning essay will be displayed alongside the work of art at the museum during the 2020 OJAC Summer/Fall Exhibition cycles.

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HOW DO I ENTER?

VIEW

This webpage and examine the selected work of art located below.

LOOK & THINK

While you view the visual art, take your time and think! 

Brainstorm. Make some notes of ideas, etc. 

 

RESPOND

Compose a short story/essay inspired by the visual art! 

Remember:

·       The OJAC is NOT seeking a written interpretation or description of the artwork, rather a story inspired by the image!

·       Your story may not be physically mailed to us, but submitted using the digital form below.

·       Your story should be between 250 and 750 words in length. 

 

SUBMIT

Submit your essay using the digital form below.

Remember:

·       Digital essay submissions accepted through 5 pm, June 27th.

·       Essays received after the deadline date/time will not be accepted or considered. 

·       Mailed or hand-delivered hardcopies will not be accepted. 

 

Winner will be notified by email and publically announced on our Facebook page by July 10th.

OJAC Collection Image

Take a close look at this work of art to inspire your creative writing submission!

Marfa Lights, 2011. WILL HENRY, American (b. 1969-) Gouache on paper. 2011.012

ENTER CONTEST USING FORM BELOW

Reminders:

  • The OJAC is NOT seeking a written interpretation or description of the artwork, rather a story inspired by the image!

  • Your story should be between 250 and 750 words in length. 

  • Digital essay submissions accepted through 5 pm, Saturday June 27th. Essays received after the deadline date/time will not be accepted or considered. 

  • Mailed or hand-delivered hardcopies will not be accepted. 

  • Winner will be notified by email and publically announced on our Facebook page by Friday, July 10th.

*Image Credit:

Marfa Lights, 2011. WILL HENRY, American (b. 1969-) Gouache on paper. 2011.012