Cash prizes, public exhibition and multiple awards are up for grabs to the winners of this year’s Innovations art competition at the University of Science and Arts. Registration for high school artists is Feb. 24.

Registration is open to all Oklahoma high school junior and senior artists. Students may use any preferred media. Last year’s show drew more than 100 students from 22 Oklahoma schools. Previous entries have included photography, watercolor, acrylic paint, steel, wire, ceramics and more.

“USAO and Innovations provide a great opportunity for juniors and seniors to display their art in a gallery setting,” said Jacquelyn Knapp, associate professor of art and director of the Innovations show. “I am always excited to see the new creations coming from art programs across the state and beyond.”

Students throughout the state may submit up to three original pieces of art for the competition. Entry fees are $3 per work. The deadline for all submissions is Feb. 24 by 7 p.m. Entries may be mailed to the USAO art department or delivered in person on Feb. 24 to the third floor of Davis Hall on the USAO campus.

Interested students and art teachers can view rules, download registration and entry forms and tags by visiting here.

Since this is a tight budget year, the art department will not mail invitations to participate in the show. "All of the forms you need are on the website. You also can find information on the USAO art department's Facebook page and Twitter site." 

Knapp credits high school art instructors for the success of their students and the art contest. “High school art teachers are doing an excellent job preparing young artists for entering shows and USAO Innovations provides a great opportunity for their work to be viewed.”

Art from the show is scheduled to be on exhibit March 1-12. The awards presentation is scheduled March 12 at 1 p.m. at the university. Awards include 11 cash awards plus a People’s Choice Award. Cash prizes will be determined based on the number of entries received.

A panel composed of USAO art faculty will judge all entries. Visitors to the exhibit will decide on the People’s Choice Award.

“I believe it is important for young artists to see their competition and this venue provides the opportunity for their art to hang next to other artists from across the state,” Knapp said.

The art contest also provides an opportunity for high school seniors to make connections with USAO art faculty and to become familiar with the art program at the university. “All seniors can apply for Art Talent Scholarships with a portfolio review.”

For more information about Innovations, or to schedule an appointment for a scholarship review, call Jacquelyn Knapp at 405-574-1303, 405-574-1302 or e-mail at facknappj@usao.edu.