Sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, textiles or any mixed media entry with more than three (3) inches in depth.

Rules for this category...

1. Maximum size for entries is 24" x 36" x 36", in total dimensions.
2. Please limit your entry to 30 lbs. or less.
3. Sculpture includes work in round or relief; modeled, carved, cast or assembled. ALL work, including casting must be done by the student.
4. Ceramics include kiln-fired clay, glazed or unglazed, or blown glass.
5. Textiles include fabric, fiber, hand-made paper and reeds. Includes batik, weaving, stitchery, hooking, tufting, embroidery, trappunto, macram and basketry.
6. Jewelry pieces need to be displayed in a clear box or on a firm backing. Jewelry pieces include pendants, rings, pins, brooches, boxes and small metal objects.
7. If used, the base must be attached. DO NOT submit fragile entries. All pieces must come with an individual container and packaging.
8. Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
1. Technique - The use of media and tools (execution and technical skills). The student chooses and controls media and tools effectively to enhance the appearance of the work.
2. Personal Expression - The level of imagination, creativity and individuality. The expression is unique and the concept presented in a fresh way that is imaginative and inventive.
3. Organization - The use of elements and principles of art, effectively choosing those which enhance the overall appearance of the work.
4. Integration - The work integrates technique, expression, and organization through aesthetic and critical judgment to achieve an effective interpretation of the purpose.
9. Due to the number of entries, the first step in judging is to narrow the field. This is achieved through one or more "advancement rounds," until the top fifteen are all that remain. Each of the top fifteen are then given a numeric score (1-50) on each of the four criteria above. The total numeric score will determine the final placement of the entry, subject to the unanimous consent of the judges. The judges may decide to further advance an entry, but may only do so if they are unanimous in this decision. The judges' decisions are final.
10. Contestants must be enrolled in grades 9-12 in a participating High School at the time the entry is submitted.
11. The entry must have been completed since the 2005 Culture Shapers Art Contest, October 15th, 2005.
12. Participating High Schools include all public, private and home schools within Harris, Waller, Liberty, Chambers, Galveston, Brazoria, Fort Bend or Montgomery counties.
13. ALL work must be performed by the student. The entry must be conceptualized, developed AND created by the student.
14. Original photographs or student-directed photographs may be used by the student in the development of the entry, provided the original photograph is attached to the entry. Photographs taken by an art instructor or other individual are considered professional, and may be used as reference material only. Copying the photograph exactly in any media is prohibited. Images traced with the use of an overhead or opaque projector are prohibited.
15. ALL work must be original. If the teacher or parent has any doubt about the originality of the art work, the work should not be submitted. Students may use published or printed materials (magazines, etc.) to research an idea for his/her work, but directly copying a published image, photograph, album cover, magazine, website, or any other source is considered plagiarism, and is unacceptable.
16. Judges will eliminate any artwork that includes profane references to a deity, obscene language, or any content that offends the moral standards of the community. The decision of the judges is final in this and all other contest matters.
17. All source materials must be cited in the entry form, and attached to the entry.
18. Identification must be securely taped to the back of the entry.
19. Entries must be titled, and a brief description (25 words or less) must accompany the entry.
20. Every entry form must be signed by the student, teacher and parent or legal guardian. No entry will be accepted without a properly completed entry form. This form not only certifies the contestant's eligibility but also that the entry has been carefully examined and found to be acceptable by the teacher and parent/legal guardian.
21. An entry fee of $15 must accompany each entry. Contestants may enter more than one category, but may only enter each category once. Every contestant will receive one (1) commemorative Culture Shapers t-shirt (limit one per person).
22. Contestants are responsible for delivering and picking up their entry to and from the Culture Shapers offices: 16200 State Hwy 249, Houston, TX 77086 (Just north of Beltway 8 on the feeder road of Highway 249.) Click here for a map.
23. Entries must be durable enough to withstand handling and transportation. The structural integrity and durability of the entry is the sole responsibility of the contestant.
24. While every effort will be made to prevent damage to any work of art, Culture Shapers shall not be held responsible for theft, loss or damage of works entered.
25. Entries will be received ONLY ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20TH, between the hours of 9am and 7pm.
26. All entries must be picked up between the hours of 3pm and 6pm the next day, Saturday, October 21st.
27. The TOP FIFTEEN finalists in each category will be posted on this website by Monday, November 13th, and subject to a 2-day probationary period, during which time an entry may be protested, if it is found to be in clear violation of the rules of this contest or current copyright law. If substantial proof is provided, the entry will be disqualified. The TOP TEN finalists will be officially announced on Monday, November 20th and invited to the exclusive Awards Night at the Culture Shapers facility on Wednesday, November 29th, 2006!