• At the time of submission, the individual contestant must be enrolled at a Baltimore City Public High School
• Applicant must be a Baltimore City resident
• One submission per individual
• A work must be physically received by AED and the Artist and a parent/guardian must provide a completed Entry Form before the Artwork will be considered accepted. 
• See “What Can I Submit” for specific artwork rules

• Submissions should be a maximum size of 18” x 24 “and ready to be hung/displayed (matting of work is not required)
• The name of the artist must be clearly written on the back of the artwork
• Submissions must be 2-dimensional drawing, painting, or mixed media
• All Artwork must be the original creation of the Artist.
• If there is any piece of your Artwork that is not created directly by you or utilized AI in its creation, you must alert AED to its usage. AED will determine if the work is permissible.
• Digital artwork is permissible but must be printed by the artist for an original submission

Subject matter that will not be accepted:

• If an Artwork is political in nature and does not meet any of the limitations above, an Artist may submit it for individual review by AED for potential inclusion.

The purpose of this contest rule is to ensure that all entries promote a safe, inclusive, and positive environment. Entries that depict violence are not only harmful to the spirit of the contest, but may also violate legal standards or ethical guidelines for public-facing content involving diverse audiences. Entries must contribute to fostering creativity, innovation, and respect for all individuals.

2025 Courting Art Baltimore Review Criteria

• Creativity & Originality (20%)

• Does the artwork showcase a novel interpretation or a unique perspective?
• How well does the artist push boundaries or explore new techniques?

• Technical Skill and Execution (30%)

• How well does the artist control their materials (e.g., paint, clay, charcoal, or digital tools)?
• Are there technical mistakes, and if so, are they intentional or accidental?
• Is the artwork well-crafted, with attention to detail where needed?

• Composition & Visual Impact (20%)

• Does the composition lead the viewer’s eye through the artwork in an engaging way?
• Are the elements of the artwork (color, shape, contrast) used to create balance, emphasis, and movement?
• Does the piece evoke an emotional or intellectual response from the viewer?

• Emotional Expression or Impact (10%)

• Does the artwork convey a specific mood or emotion effectively?
• How well does the piece resonate on a personal or emotional level with the viewer?

• Presentation & Professionalism (10%)

• Is the artwork presented in a manner that is appropriate for the medium (e.g., proper framing, appropriate file quality for digital works)?
• Did the artist follow all the contest submission guidelines regarding size, format, or other specifications?

• Overall Impression (10%)

• Does the artwork leave a lasting impression on the viewer?
• Is the artwork memorable or distinctive in a positive way?

CONTEST AND EXHIBITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Exhibitor agrees to the Courting Art Baltimore Contest and Exhibition Terms and Conditions (“Terms and Conditions”) for entry into the Courting Art Baltimore Contest with a chance to receive a financial scholarship, an art store gift card, Exhibition inclusion, and/or long-term display of a reproduction of their Artwork.

Eligibility. The Exhibitor is a current student at a Baltimore City public high school who has created an original artwork and not a copy of any other individual’s.  If the Exhibitor is under eighteen years of age, he or she may only submit Artwork with the express consent of his/her parent or legal guardian in relation to all terms and conditions set by Courting Art Baltimore.  For purposes of the Entry Form and Terms and Conditions, an Exhibitor is both the student artist and his/her parent or legal guardian.

Loan and Display. 

1. Exhibitor agrees to loan Artwork to the Arts Every Day (“AED)” for the Exhibition, at no charge.  The term “Exhibition” shall include the exhibition at Baltimore Unity Hall (1505 Eutaw Place, Baltimore, MD 21217), the exhibition at a District Courthouse in the State of Maryland, and the long-term display at a District Courthouse in the State of Maryland.
2. Exhibitor is and shall be responsible for all arrangements necessary to properly and safely deliver Artwork that is ready for installation and/or hanging at Baltimore Unity Hall, where it will be received AED.
3. Exhibitor assumes all risk of loss or damage to Exhibitor’s Artwork while in possession of AED, including, but not limited to transit to and from Exhibition locations, storage, or reproduction. Exhibitor understands and acknowledges that there is no humidity control or art security system at the Exhibition locations.  AED provides no insurance coverage for the Artwork while at Baltimore Unity Hall. Exhibitor agrees that AED will not be required to replace or pay for any damage to any submitted Artwork.
4. AED will not undertake any conservation work or repair of any of the items comprising the Artwork included in the Exhibition.  AED will maintain basic janitorial measures in the Exhibition area.  In case of emergency or other reasonable cause, items comprising the Artwork may be removed by AED and moved to a secure location.  AED will exercise reasonable care in fulfilling its duties as set forth in this Agreement.  AED makes no assurances to the preservation of the Artwork.
5. Artwork may not be removed from the Exhibition prior to the Exhibition closing. Exhibitor is and shall be responsible for the removal of the artwork from the Exhibition location on a date to be determined by AED.  Exhibitor’s local teacher sponsor will be notified via email or phone when the artwork may be picked up.
6. Exhibitor acknowledges that AED shall not be required to store the Artwork. If Exhibitor fails to pick up the Artwork as scheduled, AED may, in its discretion, place the Artwork in storage at the sole risk and expense of the Exhibitor. If the Artwork is not picked up within sixty (60) days of the arranged pick-up date, AED has the right to dispose of the Artwork.
7. AED has the sole discretion to not display any Artwork submitted to the Exhibition.

Publicity and Likeness. 

1. AED has the right to use the author’s name, age, city of residence, photograph, and high school in association with the Artwork display.  Upon delivery, Exhibitor may provide AED with written information about the Artwork to be used in press releases and Exhibition signage, including credit lines and biographies.
2. Exhibitor agrees that AED, the general public, and/or the news media, shall have the right, at no cost, to photograph, film, and/or videotape any or all of the Artwork exhibited as part of the Exhibition, with a credit line, where applicable, for the purpose of publicizing and/or documenting the Exhibition.  Exhibitor likewise consents to publication online, in printed news media, by broadcast on television and/or radio of Exhibitor’s name, an image of the Artwork, and any of the information in Exhibitor’s resume.

License. 

1. In addition to the foregoing, Exhibitor grants AED perpetual reproduction rights to the Artwork where the image of the Artwork appears in normal background photography, and/or in archival, educational, and/or promotional materials of AED.
2. In the event that the Exhibitor’s Artwork is selected for long-term display, Exhibitor grants AED the right to reproduce the Artwork and install and permanently display the reproduction in a District Courthouse in the State of Maryland.  AED will be responsible for the reproduction costs of Artwork selected for long-term display. The Exhibitor will have no further ownership interest in the reproduced Artwork.

Warranties. Exhibitor represents and warrants to AED that items comprising the Artwork do not violate any local, state, or federal laws. Exhibitor further represents and warrants to AED that Exhibitor created the Artwork and is the legal owner of, and owns all intellectual property rights in and to, the Artwork, and has the legal right to convey the rights to AED contemplated by this Agreement.

Other Provisions.

1. Entire Agreement.  These Terms and Conditions set forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the matters contemplated hereby and supersedes all prior correspondence, agreements, understandings, representations, and/or statements.
2. Modification.  This Agreement may not be waived, modified, or amended, except in writing mutually agreed to by both parties.
3. Relationship. Participation in the Contest and/or Exhibition does not create an employer-employee relationship between Exhibitor and AED, or any other relationship whatsoever, except for the relationship between space provider and Exhibitor.
4. Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland.

Notice. Any notice to be given or to be served upon either party hereto in connection with this Agreement must be in writing and must be given by certified mail. Notice may be provided to AED at 1505 Eutaw Place, Baltimore, MD, 21217.