What are the Mid-South Scholastic Art Awards?
As an affiliate of the Alliance forYoung Artists and Writers, the Mid-South Scholastic Art Awards honors exemplary art by students in 7th through 12th grades, recognizing their outstanding achievements in a competitive annual exhibition and providing cash prizes and scholarship opportunities. The Mid-South Scholastic Art Awards is generously sponsored by the Brooks Museum League, which provides both financial support and countless volunteer hours.
The 2023 Program year marks the 100-year anniversary of the National Scholastic Awards!
Congratulations to the 2023 Scholastic Art Awards Winners!
The Mid-South Scholastic Art Awards is an annual juried student art exhibition for students in grades 7 through 12, presented by the Brooks Museum League and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Regional winners are eligible for scholarships, cash prizes, and a place in an exhibition at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Winners will also have their work sent to New York City for national judging.
When?
You may begin submitting works for the 2023 Mid-South Scholastic Art Awards on Wednesday, September 1, 2022 at artandwriting.org. The deadline for the 2023 Mid-South Scholastic Art Awards is Wednesday, December 7, 2022.
Click here for a calendar of important dates.
Who is eligible?
Students in grades *7-12 may submit exemplary visual artwork to the Mid-South Scholastic Art Awards competition.
Newly created works of art created from January – December are preferred, however works that didn’t win any awards last year may be re-submitted with significant alterations. Previously awarded works CANNOT be re-submitted.
*must be 13+ years of age on or before 10:59 p.m. December 9, 2022.
How do I enter?
All submissions must be completed online, at artandwriting.org.
Paperwork must also be turned in, along with fees, to the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. For more information about submitting works online and the complete submission process, please see our Mid-South Scholastic FAQs and Scholastic Submission Instructions. Educators should also look at our School Submission Checklist.
History
Since 1989, the Brooks has been proud to partner with the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, a national non-profit organization, to host the regional competition and exhibition forMemphis and the Mid-South area. More than 2,000 entries in a wide variety of categories, including painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, sculpture, graphic design, film, fashion, as well as senior art portfolios are judged by a panel of judges over a course of several days. Judging for the competition takes place digitally, through a blind adjudication process involving a panel of regional artists, art educators, and other arts professionals. Regional winners are eligible for scholarships and cash prizes, are part of the exhibition at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, are invited to participate in an awards ceremony at the museum, and have their work sent to New York City for national judging.
Senior Portfolios
Graduating seniors may submit up to two portfolios of work to be considered for awards and for scholarships.
Students should submit works that best exemplify originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal vision or voice. Regional and national jurors are often looking at the consistency of the work across the portfolio and an emergent style that is unique, personal, and expressive. Senior portfolios are also reviewed for scholarship consideration by several area colleges and universities.
Regional Forms
Be sure to download the appropriate regional forms to complete your Mid-South Scholastic Art Award submissions.
Trouble Shooting Documents
Participating colleges and universities
When is the regional celebration and exhibition?
The 2023 Mid-South Scholastic Exhibition will be on view at the Brooks Museum of Art from Friday, January 20 – Sunday, February 19, 2023. Only Gold Key winning artworks will be included in the exhibition.
The awards ceremonies will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023.
More information about the 2023 Awards Ceremony, including times and location (whether virtual or in-person), will be available this winter.
May I bring my class to view the exhibition?
Yes, please contact the museum’s tour coordinator for updated guidelines and safety protocols. The 2023 Mid-South Scholastic Exhibition will be on view Friday, January 20 – Sunday, February 19, 2023.
Other Important Information
Plagiarism
The Mid-South Scholastic Art Awards and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the national organization that organizes the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, take plagiarism very seriously. For a copy of our policy on plagiarism and information about how to avoid it, please click here.
Judging Criteria
On the regional and the national level, jurors consider the following criteria when evaluating artwork submitted for consideration: Originality, Technical Skill, and Emergence of a Personal Style or Vision. For more information about these criteria and the judging process, please visit http://www.artandwriting.org/the-awards/faq/ .
We have even more ways to learn with the Brooks Museum. See our programs below.
Learn moreArt Therapy Access Program
Art therapy is defined by the American Art Therapy Association as a mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by a masters-level art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.
Learn MoreHomeschool
The Brooks offers free Homeschool Days for homeschool students of all ages and their families. Homeschool Days occur six times a year - three in the fall and three in the spring. Each of these days explores the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions through a specific theme.
Learn MoreInside Art
Inside Art is Tennessee’s only family gallery dedicated to visual literacy – the ability to make meaning from the images you see. Teachers, parents, and caregivers alike will love each thoughtful element and its profound learning objectives. Children of all ages will relish in the sounds, sights, and textures as they pose, climb, create, relax, and explore.
Learn MoreVirtual Visits
Classes are 40 minutes in length and are available Monday through Friday. All virtual visits must be booked a minimum of two weeks in advance and require at least 10 participants. This is a free program open to all ages and types of groups.
Learn MoreArt Therapy Access Program
Art therapy is defined by the American Art Therapy Association as a mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by a masters-level art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.
Learn MoreHomeschool
The Brooks offers free Homeschool Days for homeschool students of all ages and their families. Homeschool Days occur six times a year - three in the fall and three in the spring. Each of these days explores the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions through a specific theme.
Learn MoreMid-South Scholastic Art Awards
The Mid-South Scholastic Art Awards is an annual juried student art exhibition presented by the Brooks Museum League and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
Learn MoreTours
School tours are designed to engage students in critical thinking about art, and to support students to develop visual literacy skills. Students of all ages are invited to explore the rich collection of the Brooks Museum on a tour.
Learn MoreHomeschool Activities
Upcycled Sketchbooks
Materials
Materials Needed:
-An old book you are allowed to draw in
-gesso
-scissors
-pens and pencils
-markers
-paints and brushes
-glue
-binder clips, chip clips, or rubber bands
-washi tape, painters’ tape, or scotch tape
-junk mail, magazines, or other paper for collage
Lesson Plans
Browse our lessons for teachers to connect their students’ museum visit to the classroom.
Lesson plans with objectives based on Bloom’s Taxonomy are available for themed tours of the permanent collection and special exhibitions. They’re designed to provide information about artworks, vocabulary, online resources, suggested curriculum standards, and pre- and post- museum visit activities for the classroom.
The Environment
Grades PreK-1 (ages 4-6)
Explore themes from the environment, including seasons, animal habitats, and weather patterns through interactive gallery discussions and art-making activities.
Science - Technology - Engineering - Art - Math
Grades 3-8
Use art from our permanent collection as a launching point to explore STEAM concepts.
Arts of Global Africa
Grades K-12
An introduction to the rich artistic expressions of Africa, which are as varied as the continent itself.
Lesson Plan Attribution
Gaston Lachaise, United States, born France, 1882-1935, Two Floating Nude Acrobats, 1922, Bronze, 11 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 7 1/2 inches, Private collection, Courtesy of Gerald Peters Gallery © Gaston Lachaise Foundation
Hassan Hajjaj, (b. Larache, Morocco, 1960), Afrikan Boyem, 2012 from the series My Rock Stars Volume 2, Metallic Lambda print on 3mm Dibond in wood frame with Geisha maquereau tins, Courtesy Private Collection
Roger Brown, American, 1941 – 1997, Clouds Over Alabama, 1994, Oil on canvas, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art purchase; funds provided by the Thomas W. Briggs Foundation Community Service Award in honor of Kaywin Feldman, with additional support from Mimi Loeb 2006.22. © School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Brown Family
Thomas Hart Benton, American, 1889 - 1975, Engineer's Dream, 1931, Oil on panel, Eugenia Buxton Whitnel Funds, 75.1. © T.H. Benton and R.P. Benton Testamentary Trusts/ UMB Bank Trustee/VAGA, New York, NY
Carroll Cloar, American (active in Memphis), 1913 - 1993, My Father Was Big as a Tree, c. 1955, Casein tempura on masonite, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art; Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Morrie A. Moss, 55.24. © Estate of the artist
Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal), The Grand Canal from the Campo San Vio, 1730-1735, Oil on canvas, Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, 61.216.
Isaac Soyer, American (b. Russia), 1902 - 1981, Cafeteria, c. 1930, Oil on canvas, Gift of Mr. E. R. Brumley, 45.12. © Estate of the Artist
Chakaia Booker, American, b. 1953, Untitled, 2002, Rubber tire and wood, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art purchase; funds provided by Wil and Sally Hergenrader, 2006.33. © Chakaia Booker
Elizabeth Catlett, American, 1919 - 2012, In Harriet Tubman I Helped Hundreds to Freedom from The Negro Woman, 1946, Linocut, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art; Gift of AutoZone, Inc. 2001.15.1i © Elizabeth Catlett/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY
German, Saint Michael, c. 1450-1480, Limewood, polychromed and gilded, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Purchase with funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Ben B. Carrick, Dr. and Mrs. Marcus W. Orr, Fr. And Mrs. William F. Outlan, Mr. and Mrs. Downing Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Richard O. Wilson, Brooks League in memory of Margaret A. Tate, 84.3.
Red Grooms, American, b. 1937, Tennessee S Curve, 2001, Enamel on epoxy on Styrofoam, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art purchase; Morrie A. Moss Acquisition Fund 2001.10. © Red Grooms / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Lesson Plans
Browse our lessons for teachers to connect their students’ museum visit to the classroom.
Lesson plans with objectives based on Bloom’s Taxonomy are available for themed tours of the permanent collection and special exhibitions. They’re designed to provide information about artworks, vocabulary, online resources, suggested curriculum standards, and pre- and post- museum visit activities for the classroom.
The Environment
Grades PreK-1 (ages 4-6)
Explore themes from the environment, including seasons, animal habitats, and weather patterns through interactive gallery discussions and art-making activities.
Science - Technology - Engineering - Art - Math
Grades 3-8
Use art from our permanent collection as a launching point to explore STEAM concepts.
Arts of Global Africa
Grades K-12
An introduction to the rich artistic expressions of Africa, which are as varied as the continent itself.
Lesson Plan Attribution
Gaston Lachaise, United States, born France, 1882-1935, Two Floating Nude Acrobats, 1922, Bronze, 11 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 7 1/2 inches, Private collection, Courtesy of Gerald Peters Gallery © Gaston Lachaise Foundation
Hassan Hajjaj, (b. Larache, Morocco, 1960), Afrikan Boyem, 2012 from the series My Rock Stars Volume 2, Metallic Lambda print on 3mm Dibond in wood frame with Geisha maquereau tins, Courtesy Private Collection
Roger Brown, American, 1941 – 1997, Clouds Over Alabama, 1994, Oil on canvas, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art purchase; funds provided by the Thomas W. Briggs Foundation Community Service Award in honor of Kaywin Feldman, with additional support from Mimi Loeb 2006.22. © School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Brown Family
Thomas Hart Benton, American, 1889 - 1975, Engineer's Dream, 1931, Oil on panel, Eugenia Buxton Whitnel Funds, 75.1. © T.H. Benton and R.P. Benton Testamentary Trusts/ UMB Bank Trustee/VAGA, New York, NY
Carroll Cloar, American (active in Memphis), 1913 - 1993, My Father Was Big as a Tree, c. 1955, Casein tempura on masonite, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art; Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Morrie A. Moss, 55.24. © Estate of the artist
Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal), The Grand Canal from the Campo San Vio, 1730-1735, Oil on canvas, Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, 61.216.
Isaac Soyer, American (b. Russia), 1902 - 1981, Cafeteria, c. 1930, Oil on canvas, Gift of Mr. E. R. Brumley, 45.12. © Estate of the Artist
Chakaia Booker, American, b. 1953, Untitled, 2002, Rubber tire and wood, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art purchase; funds provided by Wil and Sally Hergenrader, 2006.33. © Chakaia Booker
Elizabeth Catlett, American, 1919 - 2012, In Harriet Tubman I Helped Hundreds to Freedom from The Negro Woman, 1946, Linocut, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art; Gift of AutoZone, Inc. 2001.15.1i © Elizabeth Catlett/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY
German, Saint Michael, c. 1450-1480, Limewood, polychromed and gilded, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Purchase with funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Ben B. Carrick, Dr. and Mrs. Marcus W. Orr, Fr. And Mrs. William F. Outlan, Mr. and Mrs. Downing Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Richard O. Wilson, Brooks League in memory of Margaret A. Tate, 84.3.
Red Grooms, American, b. 1937, Tennessee S Curve, 2001, Enamel on epoxy on Styrofoam, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art purchase; Morrie A. Moss Acquisition Fund 2001.10. © Red Grooms / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York