Laguna Niguel “Word of the Month” Arts Competition – March’s Word Revealed

Laguna Niguel artists are invited to participate in a “Word of the Month” Art Contest to showcase their artistic talents. Open to Laguna Niguel residents and students of schools serving Laguna Niguel including Dana Hills and Aliso Niguel High Schools and Aliso Viejo Middle School, this free arts contest is a new initiative introduced by Mayor Elaine Gennawey.

Participants are encouraged to develop a visual piece inspired by the “Word of the Month.” One winner in each category will be recognized and presented with a certificate from the Mayor and City Council. All artwork must be family-friendly content and suitable for display in the City Hall lobby.

March’s Word of the Month is “OPTIMISM.”  Artists must submit an entry form and their art pieces by 4 p.m. before Friday, March 9, 2018.

Age & Residency Requirements

• Must be 6 years of age or older;
• Must be a Laguna Niguel resident, attend a school in Laguna Niguel, or attend a school that services the residents of Laguna Niguel. Eligible schools outside City borders include Aliso Niguel High School, Aliso Viejo Middle School, and Dana Hills High School.

Contestants will be Grouped into Four Categories

• Primary: Grades 1 – 5
• Secondary: Grades 6 – 12
• Adult: Ages 18 – 55
• Classic: Ages 55

Judging Criteria
The general public will judge all artwork submissions through a paper ballot process. All art pieces will be publicly displayed in the City Hall lobby for one week.  Winners will be notified the day before the second City Council Meeting of each month.

Formats & Sizes 

• Entries are restricted to paintings (oil, acrylic, water, etc.), sketches and drawings (pencil, charcoal, mixed media, etc.), photographs, and sculptures.
• Paintings, sketches, and photographs should be at minimum 5”x5” and 20”x20” maximum. Artwork that is larger than the size permitted will not be accepted.
• Sculptures should be less than 15” tall and 15” wide. Sculptures that are larger than the size permitted will not be accepted.

Entry Process
Bring your artwork and completed entry form (entry form link at the bottom of the article) to the Laguna Niguel City Hall receptionist by the respective deadline.  Residents can submit more than one piece of artwork. All artwork will be displayed for two weeks with a one-week judging period. Owners must pick up their artwork on the following Monday.

Word of the Month Entry Form