Art / Writing Contest 2016

New Rules! Please read carefully! New Rules!

Download Rules and Form

>> Click Here <<

1. Scope: The purpose of the Contest is to promote understanding and appreciation of the wild birds that populate the Lower Rio Grande Valley and to create awareness of the need to protect and conserve natural habitat and wildlife in general.
2. Eligibility: The Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled students in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties, grades 5-12. Only one entry per student per category is permitted.
3. Categories:
   Art: Grades 5 – 12.
   Creative Writing: Grades 5 – 12.
   Informative/Persuasive Writing: Grades 5 – 12.
   Festival Staff reserves the right to modify categories as needed.
4. Submission of Entries – Please read carefully!
   ART Entries:
   Student’s name must not appear on the front of the entry. An Entry Form must be securely attached to the back of each entry.
   Student’s name and school must also be neatly printed on the back of each entry (in case entry form is accidentally separated).
   Drop off ART entries at new location:
   Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce
   311 East Tyler Ave.
   Harlingen, TX 78550
   RGVBF: 956-423-5565
   ART Deadline:
   Student’s name must not appear on the front of the entry. An Entry Form must be securely attached to the back of each entry. Student’s name and school must also be neatly printed on the back of each entry (in case entry form is accidentally separated). Art entries must be dropped off at the RGVBF office located inside the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce during the following times, no exceptions:
   Thursday, Oct 6, 1:00 pm – 5:30pm
   Friday, Oct 7, 1:00 pm – 5:30pm
   Directions: From US 77/83 Exit Tyler Ave. Head east on Tyler to 3rd Street. Chamber building is at the corner of Tyler Ave and 3rd Street. Visitor parking is located on the 3rd Street side of the building. 
   WRITING Deadline:
   Writing entries must be submitted online using the form at the bottom of this page.
   Complete the online Entry Form as directed.
   Writing entries must be received by 4pm, Friday, October 7, 2016, no exceptions.
5. Entry Content and Format:
   Art:
   Format:
   All 2-dimensional media acceptable (pencil, ink, paint, marker, printmaking, graphic work, and digital).
   No 3-dimensional work will be accepted.
   Artwork must be the sole creation of the student.
   Entries must be mounted, matted, and backed – no glass or heavy frames.
   Maximum overall size: 17 x 20 inches. No exceptions.
   Content:
   Art must be original and depict wild bird species found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with attention to habitat.
   Bird species must be identified on entry form.
   No copying or tracing from projections.
   Acknowledging Inspiration Source(s):
   If “inspiration” for entry comes from another source (i.e. a printed photograph, or an Internet photograph taken by someone else, etc.), credit must be given to that Source/Photographer/Artist by securely attaching a copy of the “inspiration image” to the back of the entry, to include printing i.e. the URL, photographer/artist’s name, and/or publisher’s name on “inspiration copy” for proper acknowledgement.
   Writing Entries:
   Creative Writing:
   Format:
   Poetry (at least 12 lines)
   Short Story, Informal Prose, or Personal Essay (250 words / 1 page typewritten double-spaced or two pages handwritten).
   Content:
   Reveal awareness and appreciation of the native wild birds and habitat of Rio Grande Valley.
   Informative/Persuasive Writing:
   Format:
   250 words (1 page typewritten double-spaced).
   Content:
   Information concerning the native wild birds and habitat of the Rio Grande Valley, including but not limited to a description of species, behavior, food preference, courtship/nesting, migration patterns, habitat, and what we can do to protect it. Suggestions: Newspaper feature, or a TV infomercial.
   Acknowledging Source(s):
   Books, field guides, websites, web address/URLs, and other published sources used in a writing entry should be given proper credit/ acknowledgement.
6. Trophies/Prizes: Trophies and prizes will be presented at a special awards program on Sunday, Nov 6, 2016 at 1:30pm in the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium, 1204 Fair Park. Winners’ teachers will be notified by email prior to the program. Winning entries will be displayed at the Festival, Nov. 3-6.
7. Judging: Entries will be judged on originality, accuracy, and overall appeal of project. Entries are expected to show appreciation and knowledge of Rio Grande Valley native birds and their habitats. The decisions of the judges are final. Winning students and their teachers will be notified by email by October 21, 2016.
8. Return of Entries:
   Important. We are no longer able to store art entries for an extended period after the Festival ends.
   Winning Entries must be picked up from the Festival display area at “Kiskadee Korner” right after the awards ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 6.
   Non-winning may be picked up after the Festival – at the RGVBF office located inside the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce (see directions above.) Pick up is limited to Monday, Nov 7 through Friday, Nov 11, from 2pm – 5pm when the Festival office is staffed, no exceptions.
   Post festival pick-up of any remaining art entries is limited to Monday, Nov. 9 through Friday, Nov. 13, from 2pm – 5pm when the Festival office is staffed,no exceptions.
   Art entries that are not picked up by Friday, Nov. 11 at 5:00pm will become the property of the RGVBF and may be used for promotional purposes or be discarded.
9. Disclaimer: The City of Harlingen, the Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, Eagle Optics, Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, event sponsors, and employees and volunteers of all the above-named businesses and organizations will not be held responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged entries.
10. Questions and Contact Information:
    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: 1-956-423-5565 (M-F afternoon)
    Website: www.rgvbf.org

Writing Entry Form – Closed!