Virginia Association of Science Teachers
ART POSTER CONTEST 2016
VAST invites all K -12 artists/young scientists in public and private schools and youth
organizations to showcase their artistic talent to help the public understand the 2016 VAST
Professional Development Institute (PDI) theme: The Faces of Science in Virginia.
Winners
Posters will be judged in the following categories: Kindergarten - 2nd Grade, 3rd - 5th Grade, 6th - 8th
Grade, and 9th - 12th Grade. First, Second, and Third places will be awarded in each category.
The top 12 artworks will be displayed at the 2016 VAST PDI in Williamsburg, VA; on the VAST
website ([Link] ); and recognized by the VAST President during the PDI. The first place
winning artwork will appear in a 2016 issue of the Science Educator.
Judging Procedure
A panel of artists, teachers, and scientists will judge each submission based on the following:
Judging Criteria
1. Clear message conveyed by the text and artwork.
2. The VAST PDI theme The Faces of Science in Virginia is addressed.
3. Creativity, originality and artistic quality.
4. Visual clarity easily read; spelling and grammar correct.
Poster Specifications
Posters must be submitted on poster or illustration board. Overall dimensions must be 8.5 by 11
inches (21cm by 28 cm). Please design in portrait mode, not landscape.
All artwork must be original. Copyrighted characters, such as Superman, or copyrighted clip art, or
copyright-free clip art will not be accepted. The use of lettering, numbering, or a corporate logo in any
language on the front of the poster is not allowed with the exception of the VAST logo.
Any medium may be used with the exception of glitter. Chalk, charcoal, and pastel must be sealed
with a fixative spray to prevent smearing and smudging. Keep in mind most posters may be on public
display and should be easy to see or read.
Three-dimensional entries will not be accepted. Nothing may be glued, stapled, or attached to the
artwork in any way. Framed, matted, or laminated artwork will not be accepted.
Stenciled, traced, computer-generated, or commercial stick-on lettering or graphics are not
allowed. Artwork must be submitted in original media format, not as a pdf, jpeg, or color print.
Decision of the judges is FINAL.
All posters will become the property of the Virginia Association of Science Teachers.
Posters will be judged on both the clarity of the message and the quality of the art.
Artists Required Information
Your printed full name, age & grade level, schools name, parents email address, parent
phone number, and Science teachers name MUST be on the back of the artwork.
Submitting Procedure
All submissions must be postmarked by: Friday, April 22, 2016 to be received by April 29th.
Mail submissions to:
Kathy Frame, VAST President
13112 Nestlewood Court, Oak Hill, VA 20171-3904
Questions or Additional Information?
Susan Bardenhagen, Art Contest Coordinator
smb4steam@[Link]