2025 student art competition

2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival Student Art Competition

To celebrate the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival, National Mall and Memorial Parks is hosting a youth art competition open to all DC, Virginia and Maryland students, K-6. We asked young artists to help inspire visitors to become Cherry Blossom Protectors!

We are delighted to showcase the amazing artwork of these young stewards of the cherry trees!

Who can enter?

The contest is open to all Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland students, K-6 (including home-schooled students.) One submission per student please.

What should my artwork include?

Artwork should focus on the theme “Cherry Blossom Protector.” Draw or paint a picture that shows what you appreciate about the cherry blossoms, how we can take care of them, and why we should. Consider using Leave No Trace principles such as:

• Leave blossoms where you find them (don’t pick the blossoms)

• Don’t climb the trees

• Please don't feed wildlife

• Dispose of trash properly

• Stay on sidewalks to avoid walking on roots

Submissions must include the words “Cherry Blossom Protector.”

What type of artwork will be accepted?

Artwork can be in the form of a painting, drawing or sketch. All submitted artwork must be 2D and flat. Submissions should not be matted, mounted, or framed. Photographs, computer-generated, or computer-enhanced artwork will not be accepted.

How will my artwork be used?

The top three designs will be used to create buttons which are given away for free during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Designs should be submitted as a circle to be considered for a button. Some artwork will be used for signs which will be displayed around the Tidal Basin. In some cases, multiple designs may be placed on a single sign. Signs will only be displayed during the festival. Most works will be included in a virtual exhibit on the National Mall’s Cherry Blossom Festival webpage at www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/cherry-blossom-protectors.htm, that will go live in March 2025.

When is the deadline?

Artwork will be accepted starting February 3, 2025. All submissions must be postmarked by March 1, 2025.

How large should the artwork be?

All artwork should be able to fit inside a 13"x 17" envelope or smaller. Digital entries must be high resolution and in JPEG or PNG format. Mailed artwork will not be returned.

What do I need to submit?

A valid submission will contain the following information:

1. An original copy of the artwork. Each piece must be original, authentic, unpublished, the sole property of the entrant, and not previously submitted in any other contest.

2. Your personal information, printed on either the back of your artwork or on a separate sheet attached to your physical artwork or provided with the e-mail for your digital entry:

• First and last name

• Grade/age

• How you would like to be recognized (first initial, last name, age etc.)

3. A completed and signed entry form. Print out the entry form and send it to us when you send your artwork. Entries cannot be accepted without a signed entry form.

Forms must be signed by a parent or guardian.

How will the artwork be judged?

Artwork will be evaluated by staff at National Mall and Memorial Parks. Check the National Mall’s Cherry Blossom Festival webpage to see if your artwork has been selected for a button or sign. Cherry Blossom Protectors - Cherry Blossom Festival (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

How should I submit my artwork and entry form?

Physical entry forms may be submitted by mail along with your artwork. Mailed submissions must be sent to:

National Mall and Memorial Parks
c/o 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival Student Art Competition
1100 Ohio Drive, SW Washington, DC 20242

For digital entries, please scan or provide a high-quality digital photo of your artwork (no background and/or showing individuals holding up the work.) Email digital entries to NACC_National_Mall_Education@nps.gov.

All submissions must be postmarked by March 1, 2025.

Disclaimer

By entering the contest, the artist gives permission for the park to use images of their work on the park's website, social media, and print media without compensation unless prohibited. All entries, and all rights of ownership in and to the entries, including all rights to use, reproduce, publish, modify, edit, and distribute the same will become the exclusive property of National Park Service and will not be returned. The National Park Service, its agents and contractor, are not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, incomplete, or postage-due entries. Contest void where prohibited or restricted by law.