This blog is under construction. Still to come are certificate templates. The "Printables" page is not quite ready, but most of that information can be accessed from links found down the right side of the blog. Everything else is up to date. Feel free to send us an email if you have questions.
- Reba, Chantelle & Liz

Rules



Inspirations Art Program
General Rules

Every child can submit one entry for each of the nine categories at the school level.  So every child could have nine different entries.  Each entry must be accompanied by an Inspirations Entry Form.  

The first and second place winners in each category and age group will be sent on to the regional competition.

All participants are required to fill out, in its entirety, and sign the Inspirations’ Entry Form.  Students who have not completely filled out the form will not be eligible for the program.  The school Inspirations committee should review the entry forms and allow students the opportunity to complete any entry forms prior to school level judging.  In situations where a student cannot fill out the entry form or write legibly, a parent can fill out the form and sign her/his child’s name

Each entry must be the original work of one student only.  They may not have assistance from teachers, parents, or friends unless there is a special case (such as for someone with a visual or physical disability).  Because the program is designed to encourage and recognize each student’s individual creativity, help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed.

All of the entries must be original works.  Use of copyrighted material is prohibited.  Do not borrow from copyrighted material.  Plagiarism is defined as taking and using another person’s ideas or writings or inventions as one’s own.  Plagiarized entries will be disqualified and returned to the student.

Entries must be related to the yearly theme.  There is no wrong way to interpret the theme.

Entries must comply with the General Inspirations Rules as well as the corresponding category rules.  Please refer to the individual category rules before submitting an entry to ensure compliance.  All rules may be found on our blog: charterinspirations.blogspot.com.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Inspirations advisor at your school.

ALL ENTRIES WILL BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO INTERPRETATION OF THE THEME, CREATIVITY AND ORIGINALITY, AND ARTISTIC MERIT.


WORKS NOT ACCEPTED

*Artwork that is inappropriate or contains any objectionable material.
*Reproductions and enlargements of other artwork.
*Plagiarized works.
*Paint by number or art kits.


AGE DIVISIONS
Students are divided into 4 groups based on grade.  Each group will be judged on the ability level expected at each level.  The groups are:
Kindergarten - 2nd grade
3rd grade - 5th grade
6th grade- 8th grade
9th grade - 12th grade


CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

Visual Art:
*Any original flat artwork no more than 1/4” thick from the surface of the art work.  There is no size limit but if the piece advances to the region or state level then the artist’s family must accept responsibility for transporting the art work for judging and awards nights.
*Mount on a sturdy mat or paper.  DO NOT USE FRAMES (Canvas stretched over a wooden frame is not considered a frame and is acceptable).

Examples include pencil, charcoal, ink, colored pencil, pastels, chalk, crayon, serigraphs, linoleum cuts, woodcuts, computer-generated art (no clip art), vegetable prints, tempera, oil, acrylic, watercolor, paint a T-shirt or other fabric, metal etching or punch work, and sand painting.  This list is not definitive.

Photography:
*Any original photographic artwork
*Mount entry on a mat, poster board, or a sturdy paper – NO FRAMES
* There is no size limit but if the piece advances to the region or state level then the artist’s family must accept responsibility for transporting the art work for judging and awards nights.
*Collage may be utilized
*No photo alterations of any kind including, but not limited to Photoshop or other photo editing software/websites.

Examples include prints, black and white or color, photo gram, montage, sandwich, photo collage, and multiple exposures.  This list is not definitive.

Musical Composition:
*Any original musical composition
*Record on a CD
* No longer than 5 minutes and no shorter than 1 minute
*No notation is required, just make a recording

Examples include drums, pots and pans, piano, voice, or any instrument, including made-up instruments, are all acceptable.  This list is not definitive.

Theatre:
*Any original theatre work
*Students may or may not perform, but must do all other work: write script, direct, create optional costumes and scenery by themselves. No group effort.
*Submit a DVD, computer disc or Flash Drive along with the script. Script must be typed or legibly handwritten.  You must start the image after 10 seconds of black
*No longer than 5 minutes and no less than 1 minute

Examples include monologue, one act, storytelling and mime.  This list is not definitive.

Literature:
*Any original creation using words
*Typed or legibly handwritten on a 8 ½ by 11 paper
*No more than 2000 words
*Two copies must be submitted
*Grade-appropriate grammar and punctuation (no parental editing)

Examples: a story, poem, biography, autobiography, an interview, and an essay.  This list is not definitive.

3-D Art:
*Any original artwork greater than 1/4” thick
*No limit on size, however it must be movable for display purposes
*Submit the actual artwork and cd or disc containing photos showing all sides (include ruler or yard stick to illustrate size).
*No kits or precast are acceptable. It must be original work only
*3-D entries will only be accepted on the due date.  Bring the actual project and cd or disc of the photos.

Examples include jewelry, wind chimes, mobiles, kites, collages, dioramas, ceramics, clay sculpture, rock art, play dough, wood working, metal soldering, stained glass, junk art, mosaics, toothpicks, and popsicle sticks.  This list is not definitive.

Film/Video:
*Any original film/video/computer-generated creation with or without sound
*No longer than 5 minutes and no shorter than 1 minute
*Submit on a DVD, computer disk, or Flash Drive.  Start the image after 10 seconds of black
*The STUDENT is filming the action – the student is NOT the action.  Someone else is not filming the student doing something, i.e. a piano recital.

Examples include claymation, torn paper, animation from drawings, live action, computer generated, narrative, documentary, fiction, or nonfiction.  This list is not definitive.

Choreography/Dance:
*Any original choreographed movement performance
*There can be up to 3 performers.  Student may or may not perform, but they must do all other work:  create costumes (not required) and choreograph the dance
*Submit on a DVD or Flash Drive.  Start the image after 10 seconds of black.
*No longer than 5 minutes and no shorter than 1 minute

Examples include ballet, clogging, modern dance, ballroom dance, or karate.  This list is not definitive.

Digital Art:
*Any original digital art work
* There is no size limit but if the piece advances to the region or state level then the artist’s family must accept responsibility for transporting the art work for judging and awards nights.
*Mount on a sturdy mat or paper.  DO NOT USE FRAMES.

Examples include photopainting, digital collage, algorithmic/fractals (completed on computer), digital painting, 3-d programs, any form of computer manipulated imagery, photos altered through computer means. This list is not definitive.



  
 CATEGORY SPECIFIC RULES


  
VISUAL ART
DESCRIPTION
A Visual Arts entry must by an original print, drawing, painting, collage, metal etching or punch work, fiber work etc. that relates to the theme

Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme.  Technique is less important than a well-developed concept.

RETURN OF ARTWORK
Artwork return will be coordinated through your school.  If you have any questions please call your school.  We will be returning entries competing at the Regional and State level at the Region/State assemblies. 

PRESENTATION
*All art must be flat and not exceed more than a 1/4 inch thickness.  This includes all two-dimensional materials and images, including small, flat items, such as string, fabric, and screening, which have maximum surface contact with the face of the image.  Nothing three-dimensional may extend off the surface of a work, including noodles, beans, beads, and boxes.
*Art is not limited in size, but must be able to be moved for display purposes.   If the piece  is large and it advances to the region or state level then the artist’s family must accept responsibility for transporting the art work for judging and awards nights.

*Entries may be submitted on paper, canvas board, cardboard, hot or cold press board, or canvas (not to exceed 1/4 inch thickness).
*Mount all paper or canvas entries on sturdy cardboard mats, but NOT in wooden, metal, plastic, or glass frames.  NO FRAMES OF ANY KIND WILL BE ACCEPTED.  Canvas stretched over a wooden frame is not considered a frame.
*Shrink-wrapping is optional, but highly recommended.
*Lamination is discouraged because it can permanently damage the surface of the artwork.
*Place the Official Entry Form in a sheet protector and tape it to the back of the artwork, on top of the shrink-wrap, if used.
 *Students must adhere to the general rules, as well as the Visual Arts Rules.


PHOTOGRAPHY RULES
DESCRIPTION
A Photography entry must be an original black-and-white or color image produced by a photographic process.  The entry must relate to the theme.

The entry can incorporate such techniques as montage, multiple exposure, photographic collage, negative sandwiches, and photo grams.  Images may be manipulated conventionally by the student.  However, no digital manipulation is allowed.  Images should demonstrate the student’s proper use of photographic techniques such as depth of field and exposure.  They can be made using various lenses, filters, and light sources.  Photographs with added graphics over the image, including lettering, are not acceptable.

Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme.  Technique is less important than a well-developed concept.

RETURN OF ARTWORK
Artwork return will be coordinated through your school.  If you have any questions please call your school.  We will be returning Regional and State artwork at the Region/State assemblies.

PRESENTATION
*Print the entries on paper or other two-dimensional material
*No digital manipulation of any sort is allowed, including Photoshop.
*Mount all prints on a cardboard mat, poster board, or some other sturdy material.
*Shrink-wrap or transparent plastic covering is optional but highly recommended.
*Framed entries, original film (negative or transparencies), and multi-dimensional pieces are not accepted.
*Place the Official Entry Form in a sheet protector and tape it to the back of the photograph, on top
of the shrink-wrap if used.
* There is no size limit but if the piece advances to the region or state level then the artist’s family must accept
responsibility for transporting the art work for judging and awards nights.
*Keep a copy of your work, DO NOT SEND US THE ONLY COPY.
*Students MUST adhere to the general rules, as well as the Photography Rules.


MUSICAL COMPOSITION RULES
DESCRIPTION
A Musical Composition entry may be for voice, instruments, or a combination of both.  Lyrics may or may not be included in vocal compositions.  The composition is not to exceed five minutes.

The entry must be played in real time and prepared by hand or on computer paper appropriate for instrumentation and voicing.  

Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme.  Technique is less important than a well-developed concept.

PRESENTATION
 *Adults may not assist.
*The entry must be longer than 1 minute and may not exceed 5 minutes. 
*Students are not required to perform their own compositions.  A student’s composed work may be performed by a group.
*Score size:
-Entries should be no larger than 11 inches by 14 inches
-Band and orchestra compositions may be 11 inches by 16 inches
                -*Do not mount or bind the scores
*Recording requirements
-All age divisions must submit an audio CD recording or Flash Drive of the composition
-Submit CD's in a plastic or cardboard container, both identified with the student’s name, grade division, school, year and entry’s title.
-Pack the CD with the score (if included) in a large envelope.
-Secure the Official Entry Form to the outside of the envelope.  (We recommend that the Entry Form be placed in a plastic page protector.)

Recommendations for quality recordings
1. Make the room you record in as quiet as possible.  Close windows and turn off all noise-making devices in the room such as air conditioners, fans, telephones, etc.  Do not place the recording device on top of an instrument or speakers.
2. If recording on cassette, use Dolby B Noise Reductions to reduce background tape hiss.
3. Don’t record at too loud a level (in the red zone on the meter) or too soft (meter barely moving).
4. Record a short test and then listen to it while watching the meter.  If needed, improve recording quality by changing the record volume or microphone location.
5. If recording on cassette, rewind to beginning, record 15 seconds of silence, and then begin performing your composition.  Finish with another 15 seconds of silence, CD submissions may reduce silence to two seconds.
*Keep a copy of your work, DO NOT SEND US THE ONLY COPY.
*Students must adhere to the general rules, as well as the Musical Composition Rules.


THEATRE RULES
DESCRIPTION
Students submit original theatre work.  The scripts must be the work of one playwright and the work may include up to three actors.  The playwright may or may not be one of the performers.  It may not exceed five minutes.  Costumes, make-up and stage sets are not necessary.  However, if costumes and stage sets are used, they must be conceptually created by the individual student playwright creating the theatre work.  (Parents may supervise, but NOT create).   Submit DVD or computer disc of production along with script.  Script must be typed or legibly handwritten.

Categories for theatre include:
-Individual Storytelling:
An original story performed orally by the creator/storyteller.
-Mime
                A performance of a play without words, using illusions and gestures, of a character that expresses ideas and feelings through movement including
                                -who they are, where they are and what they are doing.
-Monologue:
                A dramatic soliloquy performed by one individual.  The script must be original and performed by the creator of            the script.

-One Act:
                A play that consists of only one act, with no long separation between scenes.  It must be written by one student and not exceed 5 minutes.  The play may have up to three actors.  If costumes, stage sets and make-up are used, they must also be created by the individual student playwright creating the theatre work.

LENGTH
Length of entry must be between 1 minute and 5 minutes.  Performance tapes that exceed five minutes or are shorter than one minute will not be judged.

PERFORMANCE
Students are required to submit a video of their work.  The creator may or may not perform in the play, but must write, direct, block, costume, and dress the set themselves.  Students are not required to perform live.

PRESENTATION
All age divisions must submit a VHS videotape, DVD or computer disc of their original performance along with the script.

DVD
These cannot exceed five minutes.  All entries must be identified with the student’s name, grade division, address, and the entry’s title.  The entry should be packaged in a plastic or cardboard container (also identified with student’s name, grade division, school, year and the entry’s title) with the script and placed in a large manila envelope.  The Official Entry Form must be secured to the outside of the envelope.  (We recommend that the Entry Form be placed in a plastic sheet protector.) 

*Students must adhere to the General Rules in addition to the Theatre Rules. 

3-D ART RULES
DESCRIPTION
3-D art comprises any art form having length, breadth, and depth.  This includes visual arts that exceed the ¼ inch thickness rule.  Any of the following are acceptable:
-Sculpture:
* Any medium that will hold up to storage restrictions.
* Can be a combination of mediums.
* No loose pieces that can become separated.
* No kits allowed.
-Jewelry:
* Can be made from any material.  If chains or pin or earring mounts are used, they can be purchased.  All other aspects of the Jewelry need to be original from the perspective of the artist.
* No kits allowed.
 -Arts:
* Can include mobiles, wind chimes, kites, collages, dioramas, or visual arts entries that do not meet the qualifications of thickness in the Visual Arts category.
* No kits allowed.
-Ceramics:
* Must be created completely by the students although they may receive help in firing if necessary.
* No kits allowed.
* No precast ceramics allowed.
* Must be created from scratch by the artist.

PRESENTATION
*Art is not limited in size, but must be able to be moved for display purposes i.e.) no installations. 
*Three dimensional entries must be accompanied with computer disc of photos of the project from all sides and angles to show perspective.  A ruler or yardstick should be included in the photos to show size and perspective.  The regional and state levels will be judged from the photos only.
* Computer disc should be labeled with the student’s name, grade division, school, year and the entry’s title .  .  The disc should be placed inside of a large envelope or page protector and the Official Entry Form must be secured to the outside of the envelope or page protector. 

*At the Region and State levels of Inspirations, artists may be invited to share their actual work of art at the Awards Assemblies.  If your entry moves on to these levels, please hold on to your art work until after the assembly.

School Level Judging:

*The actual artwork must be present.  3D art is not accepted until the school due date for the safety of the project.

*Students must adhere to the General Rules in addition to the 3-D Art Rules.


LITERATURE RULES
DESCRIPTION
Literature entries may be works of fiction or nonfiction.  Prose and poetry are acceptable.

Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme.  Technique is less important than a well-developed concept.

PRESENTATION
*Entries must not exceed 2,000 words.
*Two copies are to be submitted.
*Entries can be typed either on a typewriter or with a computer, or can be legibly handwritten.
*Number all pages.
*Illustrated entries, including “books,” with pictures drawn by the student are acceptable; however only literary content is judged.
*Entries are to reflect grade-appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

-Format:
 *Submit entries on 8 ½  x 11 inch paper. 
 *Submit both copies in a manila file folder with the Official Entry Form stapled to the back of the folder.
 *Do not mount entries.
 *Write the student’s name on the back of each page in case pages become separated.
*Collections of poems or short stories are not acceptable; only one piece of literature may be entered.

ASSISTANCE:

Dictation and typing
*Students may have their entries typed by another person. Transcribers should make every attempt to retain the same level of language and accuracy that is reflected in the student’s original entry.
*Students for whom English is not their first language may submit a literature entry in their own language.  An interpretive translation must accompany the entry.
*Translators should make every attempt to retain the same level of language and accuracy that is reflected in the student’s original entry.
*Keep a copy of your work, DO NOT SEND US THE ONLY COPY.
*Students must adhere to the general rules as well as the Literature Composition Rules.


FILM/VIDEO
DESCRIPTION
Students may submit original creations in film/video with or without sound.  The works can be fiction or nonfiction but must relate to the current Inspirations theme. The student must be the director, screenwriter and cameraman.  The STUDENT is filming the action – the student is NOT the action.  He or she may choose to use one or more different filming techniques, i.e.) tripod use, hand held, montage, cross cut, etc.  Someone else is not filming the student doing something, i.e. a piano recital.  If using a computer the student must do all of the work.  If he/she chooses to appear in the production, a camera on a tripod may be used.  All storyboarding, editing, etc. must be done by the student.

Animation
Animation may be drawn, images made from a collection of objects, clay, torn paper, etc., or computer generated.

Narrative
A story told by film/video or computer generated.  This is not the same as a storyteller narrating an original story, but a story told through the images created.

Documentary
Nonfiction narration using documentation, narration, facts, and images.

Experimental
Exploration in movement, light, and montage.

Media Presentations Using Computers
These must be completely original and the student must do all the work.  No cut and paste accepted.  PowerPoint presentations are not considered art and will not be accepted.  Copyright laws must be followed.  Software should be used only to enhance the work of the student.  The intent is to use this as a way to present the student’s work.

LENGTH
Length of entry must be between 1 minute and 5 minutes.  Performance videotapes that exceed five minutes or are shorter than one minute will not be judged. 

PRESENTATION
All age divisions must submit DVD or computer disk of their original performance.  If film equipment is used, the film must be transferred to DVD or computer disk for presentation.

DVD
These cannot exceed five minutes.  All entries must be identified with the student’s name, grade division, address, and the entry’s title.  The entry should be packaged in a plastic or cardboard container (also identified with student’s name, grade, school, year and the entry’s title) and placed in a large, manila envelope.  The Official Entry Form must be secured to the outside of the envelope.  It is recommended that it be placed in a plastic page protector and securely taped on. 

*Students must adhere to the General Rules in addition to the Film/Video Rules.



CHOREOGRAPHY/DANCE RULES
DESCRIPTION
Students submit originally choreographed movement composition recorded on a computer disc or DVD.  The choreography must be the work of one student that demonstrates creativity and clarity of theme.  There may be more than one performer; however, the presentation must be limited to three performers.  The choreographer may also be the performer or one of the performers.  Costumes are not necessary.  However, if costumes are used, the costumes must be conceptually created by the choreographer.  (Parents may supervise, but NOT create.)

LENGTH
Length of entry must be between 1 minute and 5 minutes.  Performance tapes that exceed five minutes or are shorter than one minute will not be judged.

PRESENTATION
All age divisions must submit a computer disc or DVD of their choreography/dance performance.

DVD
These cannot exceed five minutes.  All entries must be identified with the student’s name, grade, school, year and the entry’s title.  The entry should be packaged in a plastic or cardboard container (also identified with student’s name, grade, school, year and the entry’s title) with the script if desired and placed in a large, manila envelope.  The Official Entry Form must be secured to the outside of the envelope. 

*Students must adhere to the General Rules in addition to the Choreography/Dance Rules.


DIGITAL ART
DESCRIPTION
Students create an original work using digital means.  This includes digitally altered photos, 3-d images created through the use of a computer program such as photoshop, carerra, DAZ Studio, or other 3-d program.  It also includes any form of computer manipulated imagery.  Image collage is permitted.

RETURN OF ARTWORK
Artwork return will be coordinated through your school.  If you have any questions please call your school.  We will be returning Regional and State artwork at the Region/State assemblies.


PRESENTATION
* There is no size limit but if the piece advances to the region or state level then the artist’s family must accept the responsibility for transporting the art work for judging and awards nights.
*Entries may be submitted on paper or on a CD.
*Mount all paper entries on sturdy cardboard mats, but NOT in wooden, metal, plastic, or glass frames.  NO FRAMES OF ANY KIND WILL BE ACCEPTED.
*Shrink-wrapping is optional, but highly recommended.
*Lamination is discouraged because it can permanently damage the surface of the artwork.
*Place the Official Entry Form in a sheet protector and tape it (with masking tape) to the back of the artwork on top of the shrink-wrap.
*Keep a copy of your work, DO NOT SEND US THE ONLY COPY.

*Students must adhere to the General Rules as well as the Digital Art Rules.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for inspiring me!