FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please visit the National Scholastic Art & Writing website FAQ for more information about national guidelines such as Getting Started, Work Upload, Categories, Policy, and general information on the national program and structure of the organization.
FAQ will be specific to the Colorado Affiliate and will be updated throughout the year. To submit a question not addressed below, please complete the CONTACT FORM. Emails are typically answered within 48 hours unless it's a holiday.
What is the deadline to submit?
The deadline for the Colorado Affiliate is January 4th, 2027. Incomplete submissions (no photo, artwork details or school information) will be removed from the system after this deadline and will not be adjudicated.
Is there a cost to submit artwork?
Yes, the cost is $15 for a individual submission and $40 for a portfolio. Fees are set by the National Scholastics program. Fee waivers are available for students who need financial assistance to participate. During the submission process, eligible students may request a fee waiver through the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards system.
Fee waivers are intended primarily for students who would typically qualify for free or reduced-price meals or other school-based financial assistance. If a student or school is able to pay the submission fee, we kindly ask that you do so. Your submission fee helps Colorado Art Awards provide scholarships, recognition, programming, and opportunities for young artists across Colorado.
Please help us reserve fee waivers for students for whom the submission fee would be a meaningful financial barrier. Colorado Scholastic administrators may review individual or school-wide use of fee waivers and may request additional information about financial need.
Thank you for helping us make the program accessible to students who need assistance while also helping sustain opportunities for Colorado’s young artists.
What if I am having technical issues with the NATIONAL SYSTEM?
Visit the national blog which provides support for the technical issues with the national system.
Video tutorials are also available for students and educators who want help with the entry process.
Do educators approve the submissions?
Educators are not required to sign and approve submissions however they can help students with selecting artwork, portfolio development, and payment. It is highly encouraged to talk with your school educator before submitting.
How many pieces of artwork are in a portfolio?
The Scholastics portfolio submission requires six (6) images of art.
How is the artwork regionally adjudicated?
Professional artists, professors, and retired teachers adjudicate all submissions in the Colorado Region. All grades will be judged separately. They look for personal voice, originality, and technical skill. Colorado’s Gold Key awardees are then sent to the national level where they compete with Gold Key awardees from other states.
Is there a limit to how many pieces of artwork a student can enter?
No, however, for photography a student is suggested to limit to no more than sixteen (16) individual submissions. A student can submit up to two (2) art portfolios. These are National Rules.
Is there a size limitation for artwork?
There is NO size limitation for submissions. However, Artwork greater than 40" x 40" will not be displayed at the Colorado regional exhibition due to space constraints. Consider if artwork can be photographed or reproduced at a smaller size (digital categories) and provide at artwork drop off. Communicate with the regional team via the contact form for questions on providing reduced size for the exhibition.
When will I be notified if I received an award?
All participants will receive a National Notification at the end of January 2027 however, the Colorado Art Region will announce selected artwork on this website on January 14th, 2027 in order for artwork to be prepared for the artwork exhibition. Plan to check the website - email communication within the national system may be later than artwork drop off.
Will there be an exhibition of the regional awards?
Awarded artwork will be displayed at the Denver Art Museum, 40 West Gallery and the City of Lakewood Cultural Center. Artwork greater than 40" x 40" will not be able to be displayed at the in-person regional exhibition due to space constraints.
Is there a submission form for the exhibit?
Yes, exhibited regional awarded artwork are required to have a completed exhibition form. Artwork without exhibition forms will not be accepted at artwork drop off.
Where do I drop off and pick up my artwork for the Colorado Regional Exhibition?
All artwork will need to be dropped off / picked up at Mile High Framing.
7951 W Mississippi Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226
Dates and Times will be shared closer to 2027.
DO NOT CONTACT THE FRAME SHOP. THEY ARE ONLY THE LOCATION FOR PICK UP AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ASSIST YOU WITH PROGRAM QUESTIONS.
CONTACT info@coloradoartawards.org for questions or requests for mailing.
Will there be an awards ceremony?
Yes! The awards ceremony will be IN-PERSON at the Denver Art Museum on Saturday, February 27, 2027. It will be held by school groups - times TBA, mark your calendar now for this date. All students who receive an award should attend the awards ceremony during their school time slot.
I missed the awards ceremony. How do I pick up my Gold or Silver Key Pin?
You may pick up your award pin at artwork pick up.
Where do I get my awards certificate?
The national system allows for all students to access and print their certificate(s): artandwriting.org
Additionally, silver and gold key regional awardees will receive a key pin at the regional awards ceremony. Those who attend the ceremony will receive key pins or an be picked up at the artwork pick up dates.
No artwork, certificates or pins will be mailed.
