Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards

Things you will need from each student before registering:

1. Student's birth date
2. Student's email address
3. Student's password for MSAA site (If they have already been registered for this year.)
4. Name of one of the student's parents
5. Title, dimensions, medium of each piece of students work (To avoid confusion, please don't use 'Untitled' or a generic title like 'Teapot'. Consider adding an identifying word, like 'Andrew's Teapot' or 'Self Portrait with Green Necklace'.)
6. Digital Image of each work (300 dpi/ppi for a print size of approximately 5x7 inches)

Follow along with theses steps while doing your online registration:

1. Go to http://www.artandwriting.org/Registration
2. Click on the yellow 'Teacher' button to create a new login.
3. Enter email, password (can not be more then 6 characters long), name, phone number and click on 'Continue'. Now you have a login! Make sure to write this down somewhere.
4. Now it is time to enter your school. Click on 'Your Information' on the left side of the site.
5. Click on the blue text 'select school', put in your schools zip code and click 'Find School'. Click the 'Select' button to the right of your school. (If your school does not show up you can add it at this point. You can also select an after school program you teach.)
6. After completing those steps you can begin to add students and their work. Start by clicking on 'Add Student' on the left side of the site.
7. You will need each student's birthdate, email address, password and parent name for the first area
8. Next screen will be where you need to enter the category, title, and dimensions of the work and also confirm that the subject matter is not plagiarized. (To avoid confusion, please don't use 'Untitled' or a generic title like 'Teapot'. Consider adding an identifying word: 'Andrew's Teapot' or 'Johnson's Self Portrait'.)
9. Now you upload the images. Try to have the images sized before you start this process. They suggest 300dpi/ppi for a print size of approximately 5x7 inches.
10. The last step is printing out the forms that will then be mailed to MCAD. Do not mail artwork. Mail one copy of each submission form, with required signatures, to:
    Mn Scholastic Art Awards
    c/o MCAD Admissions
    2501 Stevens Ave
    Minneapolis, MN 55404

Download a PDF version of these instructions.

Submission Deadline

All online submissions must be completed by Tuesday, January 10th, 2012 at 7:00pm.

Announcement of Awards

Notification of MSAA Awards will be before January 20th.

MSAA Intake, Exhibited Artwork Drop Off Dates

Monday, January 23 and Tuesday, January 24, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in MCAD's Emeritus Room 201 (second floor, Main Building) To be included in the exhibition, all Gold Key and Silver Key artwork must arrive before 6:00PM on January 24.

MSAA Exhibition

January 30, 2012 to February 26, 2012 in MCAD's Concourse Gallery.

Award Ceremony and Reception

Sunday, February 26, 2012 in MCAD's Auditorium 150
Times: List of schools for each ceremony

Exhibited Artwork Pick-Up Dates

Tuesday, February 28 and Wednesday, February 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in MCAD's Emeritus Room 201 (second floor, Main Building) A special pick-up time will also be provided following the last MSAA ceremony on Sunday, February 26, 2012 in MCAD’s Concourse gallery at 5:15pm.

Information for teachers with Gold Key or Silver Key artwork:

View the complete list of MSAA Gold Key, Silver Key and Honorable Mentions, sorted by school, here. If there are spelling mistakes, or other errors, please email msaa@mcad.edu immediately, and before January 20th to have the correction appear in the Exhibition and Publications.

For each of your entries awarded a Gold Key or Silver Key:

1. Please identify your student artwork by writing information on the back/bottom of the piece or attaching a label.
2. To protect the student artwork, all prints/photographs/drawings and any works on paper should be mounted on rigid board, or window matted in black or white. When matting and hinging 2-D artwork, please use foamcore as a back mat. This will ensure that the piece does not bow off of the wall. Also, please adhere the front and back mat together in several spots along the sides and bottom to keep them pressed together. Document about how to mount/hinge 2-D artwork: http://www.altosezmat.com/testimonials/articles/hinges.htm YouTube video about how to mount/hinge 2-D artwork: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q71Um481r8Q
3. Deliver the artwork. Please drop off your student artwork in MCAD's Emeritus Room 201 (north second floor, Main Building) on Monday, January 23rd or Tuesday, January 24th between 2:00pm and 6:00pm

   Or ship artwork to:
   MSAA/MCAD Admissions
   attn: Kris Musto
   2501 Stevens Ave
   Minneapolis, MN 55404

   Please ensure that all artwork arrives before January 24 at 6:00pm.

   Student artwork received after Friday, January 24 at 6:00pm will not be included in the exhibition.

   Please make every effort to deliver artwork before this deadline.
    

PORTFOLIOS

Teachers with portfolio entries that have been awarded a Portfolio Gold Key or Portfolio Silver Key are asked to choose one piece of artwork from the portfolio to represent the student portfolio in the MSAA Exhibition. Please follow the instructions above to prepare and deliver this piece of the student portfolio.

PACKAGING

Student artwork will be installed directly into the gallery from the room it is dropped off at. We will have limited space for storing boxes and other packaging, so if you are delivering the artwork, please be aware that your packaging will be sent away with you.

SIZE RESTRICTIONS

This year we are also going to enforce the national size restrictions of:

• 2 D artwork should not exceed 48 inches in any direction and, in general, the largest 2-D work that is eligible is 36" x 48".
• 3 D artwork should not exceed 18" x 18" x 36" in dimensions and should not exceed 30 pounds in weight. Individual works that exceed the size limitations may be disqualified.

If you have an entry that exceeds these restrictions, and the piece is chosen for the MSAA Exhibition, a 11”x14” digital print of the piece should be submitted to be included in the show instead of the original artwork. With MSAA growing each year, we want to be fair and be sure that each student gets space in the gallery.

Student artwork that has not been represented truthfully in the digital image submitted will not be included in the exhibition.

Instructions for picking up artwork after the exhibition is available under ‘Important Dates’.

It is with gratitude and encouragement that we at MSAA extend sincere congratulations for this outstanding achievement! Thank you for your participation in MSAA!

Suggestions for selecting artwork to submit

When choosing 10 pieces to submit for the MSAA, please choose work in which the student has gone above and beyond an assignment, shown outstanding technical skill or has shown unique individual vision. Avoid artwork with trite imagery or typical skill. Although it is difficult, consider the artwork from a detached point of view: If you were a juror and saw this artwork without knowing the student's story or art background, would you be impressed? The Scholastic Art Awards are intended to honor students with the highest level of artistic vision, and we commend the teachers who help to encourage these students!

How to use the MSAA process as a critique and learning tool:

The Minnesota region typically receives more than 1,200 entries. Of these, approximately 200 have been chosen for Silver and Gold Keys and included in the MSAA Exhibition. What about the students who were not selected? This is an opportunity for you to teach students about the adjudication process they will encounter in all competitions and if they work as professional artists. Choosing images of artwork selected for the exhibition (all are documented in a poster) and beginning a discussion with students about what elements are successful in these pieces will help them improve. It will also help students learn how to discuss and critique their artwork. The Scholastic Art Awards are not just for the students who are selected into the exhibition. It is a learning experience and opportunity for growth for all of Minnesota's artistic youth.

Be inspired by images:

1. View past MSAA Gold and Silver Key images.
2. View National Scholastic Art Award Medal winners.

What do the specific awards mean?

Gold Key, American Vision Nominee-- Five pieces voted 'Best of Show' that will continue on to the national competition, where one piece will be selected to represent Minnesota in the National Art Exhibition.

Gold Key-- Awarded for excellence. Gold Keys will be included in the MSAA Exhibition and digital images of these pieces will continue on to the National Competition in New York.

Silver Key-- Awarded high honors. Silver Keys will be included in the MSAA Exhibition.

Merit Award-- Honorable Mention. Although not chosen to be in the MSAA exhibition, Merit Awards were noted by the jurors as deserving of merit.

How will the MSAA Gold and Silver keys be celebrated?

Gold Key and Silver Key awarded students, along with their families and teachers, are invited to receive their awards at the MSAA Awards Ceremony and Reception on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012 in MCAD Auditorium 150. Because of the number of participants, three separate award ceremonies. View the list of schools for each Ceremony.

Does MCAD offer scholarships for MSAA?

Yes, MCAD offers two scholarships to high school seniors that are both admitted to MCAD and participate in the portfolio MSAA Art Portfolio or Photography Portfolio category. These are our top scholarships ($15,000 per year) and are renewable for four years.

How does a student qualify for these scholarships?

A student must first apply and be fully admitted to MCAD by December 1. Admission to MCAD requires:

1. A completed admissions application and $50 fee.
2. Official high school transcripts.
3. ACT or SAT scores.
4. A statement of interest for admission to MCAD
5. Letter of Recommendation
6. A portfolio of 12-20 pieces.
7. Completed Senior Portfolio for MSAA*

*Please note: A separate statement and portfolio of artwork need to be submitted for admission to MCAD. Although the Senior MSAA portfolio and the MCAD Admissions Application portfolio may contain the same artwork, they must be submitted separately.

More information about of these items, and the application guidelines.

What is needed to submit a Senior Portfolio for MSAA?

These items must be submitted digitally, by the art teacher, through the online MSAA submission process:

1. Statement of interest: In 300 to 750 words total, answer the following questions:
   • Why did you select the work you submitted for your Art/Photography Portfolio?
   • How do you hope people will react when they look at your work?
   • What role does art play in your life?
2. Eight artworks.

Are there other Awards that Gold Key and Silver Key students can receive at the MSAA Ceremony?

Yes! Other Awards provided by generous local merchants include:

Art Educators of MN
aem-mn.org
One $100 AEM Achievement Award
Two $50 AEM Recognition Awards

Art Materials
artmaterialsonline.com
Four $25 Gift Certificates

Blick Art Materials
dickblick.com/stores/minnesota/
Eight $25 Gift Certificates

Cecilia Fischer Award
$100 Award

MCAD Art Cellar & Bookstore
mcadartcellar.blogspot.com
Four $25 Gift Certificates

West Photo
westphoto.com
Two $25 Gift Certificates

VSA Custom Apparel
www.vsacustom.com
Shirt Sponsorship

What are the size limitations for MSAA entries?

2 D artwork should not exceed 48 inches in any direction and, in general, the largest 2-D work that is eligible is 36" x 48" and 3 D artwork should not exceed 18" x 18" x 36" in dimensions and should not exceed 30 pounds in weight. Individual works that exceed the size limitations may be disqualified.

PLEASE BE CONSCIOUS OF SIZE REQUIREMENTS FOR 2011-2012 ENTRIES.

If there is an entry that exceeds the size limitations, a small photograph of the piece may be exhibited instead. For more information please contact msaa@mcad.edu

Who was the 2011-12 MSAA Jury?

MSAA was honored to host a very prestigious jury that consisted of incredible art teachers from around the country. We extend our gratitude to the members of the MSAA Jury:

• Judi Brandel, Photo Teacher, Formerly of US Grant High, Portland, OR
• Pete Cunis, Design Teacher, Warren Tech, Denver, CO
• Diane Heath, Art Teacher, Stoney Creek High, Stoney Creek, MI
• Robin Kelley, Art Teacher, Formerly of River Falls High School, River Falls, WI
• Bill Lewis, Art Instructor, Nampa High School, Nampa, ID
• Nathan Lewis, Photography Instructor, Minneapolis, MN
• Stephanie Nixon, IB Art Teacher, Aspen High, Aspen, CO
• Judith Rae, Former MSAA Coordinator, Minneapolis, MN
• Deb Rosenbaum, Visual Arts Director, Denver School of the Arts, Denver, CO
• Franky Scaglione, AP Art Teacher, Wheatridge High, Denver, CO
• Kevin Scharfe, Art Teacher, Billings Career Center, Billings, MT
• Margy Stover, Art Teacher, Chicago Academy of Arts, Chicago, IL
• Sarah Taylor, Art Teacher, Bigfork High, Bigfork, MT
• Sarah Winterscheidt, Photo Teacher, Lincoln High, Sioux Falls, SD
• John Gaunt, Associate Professor of Fine Arts, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis, MN

How will the jury select artworks to receive awards?

MSAA Entries are viewed by the jury as digital images. Jurors are instructed to select artwork that excels in:

1. Originality
2. Technical skill
3. Emergence of a personal vision

View feedback from the 2012 MSAA jury (PDF).

The criteria for the MSAA Jury is dictated by the National Scholastic Art Awards. More detailed information about each area is explained here: http://www.artandwriting.org/Awards/HowWorkIsJudged

Are there a certain number of awards given each year?

MSAA does not limit the number of Gold and Silver Key Awards. Typically, approximately 10-15% of Minnesota submissions receive regional recognition. Approximately, 1,200 young artists and writers across the country earn national recognition.

What happens to Gold Key work after the MSAA exhibition?

Digital images of MSAA Gold Key Artwork are sent on to New York to be juried with other regional winners. National adjudication of Gold Key qualifying works takes place in New York City in March. Gold Key works are judged digitally by the national jurors. If selected for the national exhibition, students and teachers are asked to ship the physical artwork to the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in New York in April.

Which students' artworks will be exhibited in the National Art Exhibition?

National Gold Medals and National American Visions & Voices Awards will be exhibited at the National Art Exhibition in June in NYC.

Do students get scholarships for receiving national awards?

On the national level, the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers offers $1,000 scholarships for Notable Achievement Portfolios and twelve $10,000 scholarships for Portfolio Gold Award recipients. Graduating seniors receiving national awards in Single Entry categories and Portfolio categories are eligible to seek funding from the participating Alliance Provider Network of institutions of higher education ranging from $1,000 to full-ride tuition scholarships. Students in grades 7 - 11 who receive regional Gold Keys may apply for $2,500 scholarships to summer art intensives.

When will the national award winners be announced?

National student winners and their teachers will hear directly from the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers by mid-April. View some of the National Scholastic Art Award Medal images at the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers online gallery.

When will the nationally awarded artwork be returned to the student?

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers may hold the artwork for up to two years as indicated in the signed submission form. Typically, artwork is mailed to the home addresses of students in October one year after initial submission.

Can a teacher enter more than one piece by the same student?

Yes, a single student may have more than one piece entered, as long as each teacher stays within their limit of 10 pieces total.

Is there a specific theme students have to address?

There are no restrictions on content or subject matter in The Scholastic Art Awards. Students may approach any subject they choose.

Can students create work by rendering from photographs?

Creating work from photographs is allowed in The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, if the image is taken by the student. Rendering copyrighted images is not acceptable. Copyright law does allow for the fair use of copyrighted material in limited and transformative purposes.

If a student creates a work with two mediums such as pencil and paint, is that considered mixed media?

No. Mixed Media consists of collage or assemblage where materials added together protrude from the 2-D plane. A work done with both painting and drawing must be submitted in only one of those categories.

How does the student choose which works to include in an Art or Photography Portfolio submission?

Students should submit their best works that exemplify originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal vision. National jurors are often looking at the consistency of artwork/photography across the portfolio.

Where can I view past MSAA Awards?

At the MSAA Flickr Gallery.

MSAA Submission of Artwork

The deadline for all submissions to MSAA was January 10th and has passed. Please check back in the fall for information about submitting to MSAA for 2012-2013.

Please e-mail msaa@mcad.edu with any questions or concerns about MSAA.

Please contact register@artandwriting.org with any questions or concerns about the Online Registration System.