In celebration of Black History and the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the nation and the world, St. Paul UMC, host of the 60^th commemoration of 1963 Palm Sunday March, is excited to announce the opening of the “Changemakers Visual Art Competition.” The purpose is to inspire a new generation of changemakers to work for justice and peace for all.

We want to share your original art piece reflecting on black history, culture, experience and/or social issues. The contest is open to all students in grades 3, 4 and 5 attending school in Birmingham or participating in the civic life of Birmingham (such as church, afterschool program, music programs, recreation center).  

One winner will be chosen from each grade level and will receive a $100 Gift Card and certificate of award. 1^st Runner up from each grade will receive a $50 Gift Card and certificate of award. Entries are due by March 15, 2023. Projected winners will be notified no later than March 23, 2023 but will have to be present on April 1 at 10 AM at “Commemoration of Palm Sunday March” to win and receive the award.

An art committee from the Alabama School of Fine Arts will judge the contest and evaluate submissions. Please Click here to register and upload art. A teacher or adult can upload for multiple student participants.

Contest Rules:

• One entry permitted per student;
• Artwork must be an original piece, completed solely by the participant;
• Media allowed includes: Pen, pencil, markers, paints, oils, charcoal, watercolors, canvas, and paper;
• Artwork must be related to black history, culture, experience and/or social justice issues;
• Size should be 8 x 10 on 8 ½” x 11” medium.
• Artwork can be landscape, portraits, still life, abstract, etc.
• Artist grants St. Paul UMC and sponsoring partner permission to post image of artwork on our websites and to print image in commemorative booklet;
• All rights to entry remain the property of the artist;
• The art submitted will be judged on relevance to the theme, creativity and originality, clarity of imagery and overall appearance.
• Submit scanned artwork in jpeg or tiff format with at least 300 dpi, or upload as pdf.

To be considered eligible, submissions must include all of the following on a separate page: title of the art piece (to match a small title on art page), the contestant’s name and grade level, name of parent/guardian along with their email address and/or phone number. Name of teacher if applicable for contact.

If you have any questions, please email teams@stpaulbham.org or call 205-252-3236.