2025 Art and Essay Contest for 3rd and 4th Graders
Kindness is free, and we want to spread it everywhere! Therefore, we invite your students to enter original artwork and essays inspired by the theme of kindness and the selected quote by George Washington Carver. This contest is open to 3rd and 4th graders. The entry deadline is February 14, 2025.
Theme - Kindness
Based on the theme of kindness and George Washington Carver’s quote: “Unkindness to anything means an injustice done to that thing. If I am unkind to you I do you an injustice, or wrong you in some way. On the other hand, if I try to assist you in every way that I can to make a better citizen and in every way to do my very best for you, I am kind to you.” George Washington Carver (1914, January 31). Being Kind to the Soil, Negro Farmer, 29. [For reference, the full quote follows.]
George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of the renowned scientist and educator, who was a prolific writer and creative artist. This contest strengthens writing skills and encourages artistic expression and addresses STREAM objectives.
Kindness full quote:
“Unkindness to anything means an injustice done to that thing. If I am unkind to you I do you an injustice, or wrong you in some way. On the other hand, if I try to assist you in every way that I can to make a better citizen and in every way to do my very best for you, I am kind to you…. The above principles apply with equal force to the soil. The farmer whose soil produces less every year, is unkind to it in some way; that is, he is not doing by it what he should; he is robbing it of some substance it must have, and he becomes, therefore, a soil robber than a progressive farmer.”
Entry Rules and Submission
ART
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Open to all 3rd-4th graders
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3rd & 4th grade entries judged together
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Limit one art category entry and one essay per student
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Art judged in three categories: 2-D, 3-D, or groups (3-5 students)
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2-D or 3-D artwork limited to 24” on any side; submit by mail, in person, or email one photo as .jpg or .pdf
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Cover page and release statement must be included with each entry
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Entry postmark deadline: February 15, 2025
ESSAY
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Open to all 3rd- 4th graders
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3rd & 4th grade entries judged separately by grade
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Limit one art category entry and one essay per student
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essays limited to 500 words, typed or hand-written; submit by mail, in person, or email one file as .doc, .pdf, or .jpg
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Cover page and release statement must be included with each entry
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Entry postmark deadline: February 14, 2025
Judging
Educators, artists, and other qualified judges volunteer their time to judge art entries. Art is judged on theme expression, originality, technical ability, creativity. An art show will be set up in the visitor center beginning March 1, 2025 Essay judges are preservice teachers, retired educators, authors, and others interested in youth writing. Essay judging is based on the 6+1 trait writing scoring guide (see below).
Awards
An awards ceremony and reception is set for March 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. First place art winners receive a voucher to attend an art class at Spiva Center for the Arts. First place essay winners receive a George Washington Carver biography. First, second, and third place winners in each category receive a medal and all participants receive an official certificate.
Special guest: Roary the Lion from Missouri Southern State University will join the awards fun! Get your photo taken with Roary! Refreshments will be served.
Teacher Resources
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George Washington Carver the Artist lesson plans (call or email to have this sent to you)
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Park film: George Washington Carver, A Man of Character (12 minutes) https://www.nps.gov/gwca/learn/education/curriculummaterials.htm
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Classroom Visits or Virtual Visits with park rangers and park volunteers to discuss the theme.
Partners
This contest is generously supported by:
Send Submissions To:
e-mail us
George Washington Carver National Monument
5646 Carver Road
Diamond, Missouri 64840
For questions, call 417.325.4151
