The Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA), the producer of Bayou City Art Festival, will announce the top 30 finalists for its 10th Annual Middle School Art Competition at the “Art in the Middle” reception on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. on the 2nd Floor of the Spring Street Studios located at 1824 Spring Street, Houston 77007.

The Middle School Art Competition is an education initiative offered by ACA for students in grades 5-8 from Houston area private schools, charter schools, and public independent school districts. The art contest offers middle school students the opportunity to participate in a 2-D juried competition, have their art displayed in public, interact with working artists, and win prizes for themselves and their school’s art program.

The public along with students, parents, teachers, and district representatives are invited to attend the “Art in the Middle” reception and view artwork from more than 700 participating students. During the reception, light bites and refreshments will be served, and Alex Roman, Jr. known as “Donkeeboy” will be the special guest along with working artists that will speak to the students about exploring their creativity in the arts.

The student artwork will be on exhibit at Spring Street Studios from Wednesday, February 8 through Saturday, February 11, 2023. Art students are also encouraged to explore Sawyer Yards, visit art studios, meet artists, learn about their work and shop for an extensive selection of artwork during Second Saturday at Sawyer Yards Art Market, from 12-5 p.m.

The top 30 finalists’ art will be on display at the Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park on March 24-26, 2023. The finalists’ artwork will also be posted for web-based voting to determine the “People’s Choice Award”. Online voting will take place February 14 through February 28, 2023, at www.artcolonyassociation.org. Additionally, the finalists will receive tickets to the Memorial Park festival and a finalist award ribbon.

ACA will announce 1st, 2nd and 3rd place along with the winner of the “People’s Choice Award” at a special reception at Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at 1 p.m.

WHEN:
Art in the Middle Reception
Saturday, February 11, 2023
2-4 p.m.

WHERE:
Spring Street Studios, 2nd Floor
1824 Spring Street
Houston, TX 77007

About Bayou City Art Festival:

Since the founding of the Westheimer Art Festival, now known as Bayou City Art Festival, the Art Colony Association, Inc. has raised more than $3.6 million for local nonprofit programs from the proceeds of its festivals. Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park in the spring and Bayou City Art Festival Downtown in the fall has provided a venue for more than 20,000 artists to showcase their work to thousands of art lovers from all over the world. The festivals are funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, corporate sponsorships, private contributions, in-kind support, and volunteer assistance.

Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please visit www.artcolonyassociation.org.