The submission period opens at 10 am on Tuesday, Oct 13.

The submission deadline for students is 5 pm on Friday, Oct 27.

The exhibition will be in the West Gallery of the Albany Museum of Art from Oct 30, 2026, to Jan 2, 2027.

Two-dimensional Traditional Art:

• Abstract work (Representational and Non-Objective)
• Technical work
• Enhanced Photography and Digital Art

Three-dimensional Art:

• Sculpture and 3D Art

Explanations of the categories may be found below.

Who can participate

High school and middle school students may enter at no cost. The online entry form may be found HERE.

Guidelines:

• The entry form will be available at the front desk in the AMA lobby from Tuesday, Oct. 13, to Tuesday, Oct. 27.
• Student work is due at the Albany Museum of Art no later than 5 pm on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
• Each student may submit up to two works. A student who enters two works must enter the second piece in a different category.
• The artwork must have been created after Nov 1, 2025.
• The artwork must be original. It may not be copied from internet images.
• 2D works may be a maximum of 24 x 36 inches, including the frame or mat. Smaller works may be submitted.
• 3D Student work may be a maximum of 24 x 24 x 36 inches. Maximum weight is for a 3D piece is 40 pounds.
• Student work must be, at minimum, well-matted. Frames are preferred.
• Students must complete a submission form provided by the AMA.
• Labels and artist statements must be submitted along with the work.

Entry Form

The entry form will be available at the front desk in the AMA lobby from Oct. 13 to Oct 27.

Artwork Label

The artwork label must include The artist’s name, “Title of Artwork,” year of creation, medium (e.g., oil on canvas, bronze, digital print), dimensions (height x width x depth, if applicable, in cm or inches).

Artist Statement:

The artist statement should be 150 words or fewer.

Here is an example of a statement:

Artist Statement

By: Emma Rodriguez

Art allows me to express what words often cannot. My work explores themes of identity, mental health, and the struggles of growing up. Using acrylics and charcoal, I focus on creating emotional connections through bold lines, textured layers, and vivid colors.

I’m inspired by the contrast between light and dark, both visually and metaphorically. In my current series, I explore the balance between chaos in the world and inner resilience. My goal is to evoke feelings of vulnerability, strength, and empathy in my audience.

Through my art, I hope to spark conversations about the mental and emotional challenges teens face today. I want people to feel something when they engage with my work—whether it’s comfort, inspiration, or simply the reassurance that they’re not alone in their struggles.

Award Categories for Middle & High School:

• Best in 2D Abstract Art
• Best in 2D Technical Art
• Best in Photography & Digital Art
• Best in Sculpture and 3D Art
• People’s Choice Award

Recognition and Prizes:

• Each category will result in recognition of a first-place winner, a second-place winner, and an honorable mention.
• Cash prizes will be awarded to the top two winners in each high school category as determined by the surprise jury.
• The People’s Choice Award will receive a cash prize. The winner will be determined by votes by gallery visitors from Friday, Oct 30, to Friday, Nov 6.

Two-Dimensional Traditional Art

Artwork created on flat surfaces, such as canvas, paper, or wood, typically involves mediums like painting, drawing, or printmaking. Here are descriptions of two key types within this category:

Abstract Work

Abstract art can be divided into two types: Representational and Non-Objective.

Representational Abstract Art:

This form references recognizable subjects, but the artist distorts or simplifies them. The focus is less on realistic detail and more on conveying emotion, movement, or conceptual ideas through the use of shapes, colors, and forms.

Example: Picasso’s Cubism distorts natural shapes, but hints at objects or figures.

Non-Objective Abstract Art:

This form does not attempt to represent any physical object or scene. Instead, it relies purely on the arrangement of shapes, lines, and colors to create a visual experience.

The intention is not to depict something from the real world but to evoke a reaction from the viewer through the abstract elements themselves.

Example: Kandinsky’s works, which often use bold color combinations and geometric shapes without depicting any real-world forms.

Technical Work

Technical work refers to highly detailed and precise art forms where accuracy and skill are paramount. These works often require an understanding of perspective, anatomy, proportion, and sometimes mechanical or architectural drawing.

Precision and Detail: Technical work is typically realistic, with a focus on accuracy in representing the subject matter. Artists working in this style often emphasize fine details, shading, and structure to create lifelike or meticulously designed pieces.

Mediums: These pieces are commonly produced using graphite, pen and ink, or any tool that allows for fine, controlled lines and shading.

Enhanced Photography & Digital Art:

Digital Manipulation: Using software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to adjust colors, lighting, contrast, and composition.

Composite Photography: Creating images by combining multiple photographs or elements to form a cohesive picture.

HDR (High Dynamic Range): Combining multiple exposures of the same scene to capture a wider range of light and detail.

Special Effects: Adding elements or altering the image to create surreal or artistic effects.

Digital Painting: Creating artwork directly on a computer using a stylus and graphics tablet.

Sculpture and 3-D Art

These are artistic creations that exist in three dimensions—height, width, and depth—allowing the viewer to observe the work from multiple angles. These forms go beyond the flatness of two-dimensional art and occupy physical space.

Here is a breakdown of the key elements:

Sculpture is the most traditional form of 3D art, and it involves creating three-dimensional objects through a variety of techniques, including carving, modeling, casting, or assembling materials.

Materials: Sculptures can be made from various materials including stone, metal, wood, clay, or more modern materials like plastic, resin, and found objects.

Types of Sculptures

Relief Sculpture: Attached to a background, with the design protruding (e.g., carvings on buildings).

Freestanding (In-the-Round): Sculptures that can be viewed from all angles, like statues.

3D Art: This category extends beyond traditional sculpture and incorporates a broader range of methods and materials to create three-dimensional works. 3D art often includes modern and conceptual approaches that challenge traditional boundaries.

Form: 3D works have a physical form, meaning they take up space and can be experienced from different perspectives.

Interaction: Many modern 3D works invite viewer interaction, either by encouraging movement around the piece or direct engagement with it.

Materials: The choice of materials is crucial in 3D art. Artists often select materials that complement their vision or challenge conventional ideas about what art can be made from.