youth art contest

The NC Folk Festival Youth Art Contest is an exciting opportunity for young artists to showcase their talent! The contest is open to all students in grades K-12. Each year, participants are asked to create original artwork based on a specific theme related to folk culture. Selected artworks are displayed at the NC Folk Festival, providing a platform for young artists to share their work with a large audience.

Illustrated quilt titled "Quilt of Music" with segments featuring various musical instruments and associated countries, including bagpipes from Scotland, erhu from China, shamisen from Japan, bodhrán from Ireland, haegeum from Korea, pibgorn from Wales, sea shanties, chimes from the Netherlands, bongo from Angola, gemshorn from France, gusli from Russia, tabla from India, sistrum from Egypt, pandura from Greece, and waldzither from Germany.

Janisha - 8th grade - Concord NC (2024)

2025 theme

Explore and express your personal definition of folk—whether it's music, traditions, stories, or cultural roots. This theme encourages creative interpretations that celebrate how folk shapes identity, community, and connection.

MEDIUMS

  • 2D dry media such as graphite, charcoal, colored pens, colored pencils, pastels

  • 2D wet media such as acrylic, oil, watercolor, ink wash, printmaking


DEADLINE: JUNE 30, 2025