The Narrative Art Show and Contest is being hosted by Dragon Art annually to celebrate children's book illustration. The general goal for artists is to show narrative and sequence in three or four images without text. We are modeling this contest after similar contests being put on by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Francelia Butler Conference put on by Hollins University. We encourage artists who participate in our show and contest to enter their pieces in other similar events. There will be a separate category for a single stand alone illustration.
Children's book illustration is often excluded from fine art events and shows because the final picture is a print. In order to present in many fine art exhibits and shows you must submit a finished piece done with traditional mediums. While many children's book illustrators use traditional mediums. Some use digital media to "clean" or adjust their images, and some images are drawn digitally. This limits the chances for illustrators to display their work outside of their books.
Children's book illustrations are their own type of art and the rich variety of styles and mediums is something to celebrate.
You could have full color pictures for a picture book generally for ages 4 to 7 years old, or black and white illustrations for a graphic novel, or middle grade book generally for ages 8-11.
Submission Guidelines & Other Important Information
Deadline is May 27th.
Application & Artwork must be delivered to the Florence Events Center (FEC) on May 27th from 9am to 11am. Please reach out to Kassy Keppol if you need to make alternate arrangements.
Art take down and return to Artist is June 24th from 9 am to 11am.
The fee is $15.00 per piece, or $30 for a set. The set must consist of 3 or 4 illustrations that go together to tell a story. Please bring a check (made out to Dragon Art), cash or we can take your credit card when dropping off your art. All pieces must be available for sale during the show.
Awards will be presented at the Narrative Art Show Reception at the FEC Date TBD. Art is for sale during the duration of the show, including at the reception.