This competition has been developed as a strategy for encouraging and supporting young visual artists in our area. We are very enthusiastic about young artists having a chance to share their work, meet other young artists, and meet members in the community who want to discuss their work. To that end, Red River Health and North Wind Aikikai are sponsoring a Young Artist Competition. The winners will be given $400 each and will be invited to paint their own artwork on the 824 Main Ave. building. One work will go on each of the two 10’ X 20’ garage doors at the rear of the building. These doors make for a big canvas and are quite visible in downtown fargo. Moreover, the artwork will be displayed for many months.
Any young artist between the ages of 16 and 22 can apply. Artists should be from the local area. There will be two categories in which to enter. The first category is an advertisement. The advertisement will be for North Wind Aikikai. This organization is a dojo (training hall) for the Japanese martial art of aikido. The dojo is located in the 824 Main Ave. building. Inspiration for the subject and design of this ad can be found by looking at the dojo website including the gallery and videos sections.
The second competition category is available to members of our local area that come from Black, Asian, Latinx or Indigenous communities. The subject of this category is “This American Moment.” These times are challenging and we are hoping to provide a creative space for young voices from these communities.
The winning artists will have a month to paint their work on the building, and they will be provided all the necessary materials.
Application Process
- Application and Release Form– Download the application form and submit it along with your essay by July 20th. Applicants can either email your application materials or mail them to: Young Artist Competition, 824 Main Ave., Fargo, ND, 58103
- Essay– Include with your application a typed essay explaining what attracts you to this competition and what inspires your development as an artist.
- Samples of your work– Include with the above materials three samples of your work for review. At least one of these should include a draft of the work you would be displaying on the building if you were selected for that award.
Awards
3rd Place– All of our entries will have their work published on our website(s) for sharing on the internet and in our local community. We will include at least one selection of your work, your essay and a bio. We feel fortunate to have an opportunity to introduce local young artists to the community.
2nd Place– Several artists will be chosen to display their work at 824 Main for an open house gallery event (COVID permitting). Artists will be given a chance to not only show their work but answer questions from viewers and meet one another.
1st Place– The artists selected for first place will be awarded the $400 stipend and they will be featured at the gallery event. The first place winners will be given a chance to display and discuss several of their pieces. Finally, they will be given the exterior “canvas” of the 824 Main Ave. garage for painting their work in order to share it with the public over the next several months.
Decision Process
All of our entrants will have their work posted on the 824 Main Ave. website(s) along with a bio. There will be a decision advisory committee, associated with 824 Main Ave., and North Wind Aikikai. This committee will view and discuss the work. Final decisions will be made within two weeks of the July 20th deadline.
Great idea!