ARTfactory Looking for ‘Off the Wall’ Exhibit, Competition Entries

The ARTfactory is looking for high school students to submit their artwork to their 21st annual “Off the Wall” art exhibit and competition.

The exhibit, which runs from Dec. 18 to Jan. 19, 2025, features art created by Manassas City, Manassas Park and Prince William County high school students. Eligible mediums of art include art and technology; painting and drawing; poetry; wearable art; and photography. Students have the opportunity to showcase their work and be judged by a professional in their respective fields.

Here’s some more information on each of the categories from the ARTfactory:

Art & Technology: ie: 3-d printing/digital designs – 2-d digital designs (primarily created with computer software) are included in this category. Work must be printed and framed to hang on gallery walls or ARTfactory can provide gallery pedestals for display if the work is standalone sculptural (contact jexum@VirginiaARTfactory if pedestal is required for display). Entries must be submitted in .jpg/png format with a recommended resolution of 300 dpi.

Photography: Photos from mobile device cameras are eligible. Minor digital manipulation or alteration of content is permitted; however, please note: If the majority of the photograph is heavily manipulated/enhanced with software, your submission may be more appropriate for the Art & Tech.category. We recommend using a resolution of 300 dpi .jpg format to ensure the photograph is not grainy.

Painting/Drawing: Create an original painting/drawing using acrylic, watercolor, tempera, oil, pastel chalk, charcoal, colored pencils, graphite, etc. (or any combination of these) on a surface of your choosing (keep in mind all works must be framed). All paintings and drawings must be original artwork. Painting/Drawing pieces will be submitted electronically as high-quality photographs of the original artwork. Images should show only the artwork, not any mats or frames. Note: Mixed media works are included in this category.

Poetry: Enter a one-page poem and within the structure of the poem include the phrase: When Thoughts Wander. The first place poetry winner will be invited to recite their poem at the Awards Ceremony on Jan. 11. Poetry Submission Idea: Email a video or audio clip of your poetry recitation for additional impact! Poetry judges love to be able to hear a poet’s inflection and tone. Please send any videos or audio clips to: [email protected] Note: Central Library’s makerspace in Manassas has a recording studio perfect for recording.

In addition to assisting with the Art and Tech. category, Central Library’s makerspace is also equipped with a recording studio and sewing and embroidery machines suitable for the Poetry and Wearable Art category! Leading up to the competition students can visit the Central Library Makerspace during Open Hours or by appointment to work on their “Off the Wall” creations.

Wearable Art: Make something different in 3-D! You’ll get to show off during the “Off the Wall” Awards Ceremony at ARTfactory, January 11, 2024. This category is judged on site.

• Contest rules for wearable “art”:
  • Make something original that can be worn, either you or your own selected model will wear the art for judging purposes at the “Off the Wall” Open House.
  • Use a layer of clothing underneath to build your art, around or attached, and be able to easily get in and out of it. Test what works: shorts and a loose top, a jumpsuit, short dress or tights and a top.
  • Use at least 50% recycled materials

You may not want to wear your wearable art traveling between your home and our venue, so think about this in planning your construction.

Show up at 2:15 pm at the “Off the Wall” Awards Ceremony. You can wear or bring your wearable art with you, and we will allow you a private space on our second floor to change.

Please note: Wearable art participants may submit “in progress” pics for this category.

Students have until Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. to submit their proposal via Jotform. They will then be notified if their artwork is to be displayed on Nov. 22 via email. Students are also responsible for delivering their own artwork to the ARTfactory either on Dec. 13 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or on Dec. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. The awards ceremony will take place on Jan. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m.