2026 AWARDS: ARTWORK DROP OFF
ARTWORK DROP OFF
Gold Key & Silver Key awarded artwork needs to be matted (white mattes) and dropped off or received by mail for the regional exhibition no later than Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 4pm with the following exceptions:
NO FILM & ANIMATION, "DIGITAL PAINTING, DRAWING, & COLLAGE", AND HONORABLE MENTION DROP OFF
All Film and Animation, "Digital Painting, Drawing, & Collage" category artwork, and Honorable Mention Awarded artwork will be digitally exhibited.
No artwork greater than 40" x 40" will be exhibited in person with the exception of select fashion awards on dress form stands.
2D + 3D Artwork Drop off:
Friday, January 23 2 - 5pm
Saturday, January 24 10 - 4pm
Sunday, January 25 12 - 4pm
Mile High Framing (DO NOT CONTACT THEM, SERIOUSLY, STOP CALLING THEM FOR SCHOLASTICS QUESTIONS)
7951 W Mississippi Ave
Lakewood, CO 80226
MileHighFraming.com
CONTACT COLORADO ART AWARDS FOR QUESTIONS, NOT THE FRAME SHOP. Unless you want frames or mattes. Then call them.
Watch this video to learn about how to matte 2D Artwork for the exhibition.
Note: This video was created in 2018. We have updated our policy and ONLY WHITE MATTES are permitted at the exhibition spaces and Honorable Mentions will be digitally displayed.
ARTWORK SELECTED FOR THE
COLORADO REGIONAL EXHIBITION
NEED TO FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES:
FORMS
All entries must have the "Artwork Submission and Liability Agreement" attached to the artwork. If artwork is received at drop off without it, the artwork will not be exhibited.
2D ARTWORK
Clearly label all artwork on packaging.
Adhere one copy of the completed form to the back of the artwork with acid-free artist tape, or clear packing tape. Do not use duct tape or masking tape.
3D ARTWORK
Label all packaging with student name and school name.
The entry form should be placed in an envelope and tied with string to the artwork or adhered to the bottom or back.
2D ARTWORK
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White mats only
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No inside mats (double mats)
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Artwork and mat must be mounted on rigid board or foam core
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Heavier artwork can have wire on back, but is not necessary.
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Mark “Top” back to indicate the orientation
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Artwork larger than 40" x 40" will not be exhibited
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No frames, glass, plexiglass, or wood supports
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Drawings, especially those with pastels and charcoal, must be fixed with an appropriate fixative
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Wood supports are only approved with stretched canvas
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Protecting pastel or charcoal surfaces with a transparent sheet such as glassine, acetate, and cellophane is highly recommended.
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Mark “Mail Back” on the back if Colorado Art Awards will mail artwork back to the school, pre-paid postage required, email coloradoartawards@gmail.com for arrangements and questions
3D ARTWORK
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Label bottom or the back of artwork with the student’s full name and school
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All artwork must be packaged with closed lid. Package fragile artwork in sturdy with boxes with sufficient padding inside
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Label the outside of the box with the student's full name and school
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Place small parts in baggies and label accordingly
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Provide images or instructions on how to display if needed
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For Fashion and Jewelry, you may provide a stand or display (label the stand or display too) and box with closed lid or sufficient packaging to ensure it is not lost or confusing for artwork movers to handle.
MOVING IMAGE ARTWORK
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Video games, animations, and film entries will be automatically downloaded from the National System
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Students are responsible for uploading the full animation and film videos with credits on the National System
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If a file is not playable, a new version may be requested via Google Drive Sharing or Dropbox
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Please indicate all creditable student names for award recognition within the National System
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Selected artwork with multiple mediums of 2D, 3D, and digital formats may have limited exhibition space and may only have the 2D and 3D artwork on display