Deadline Extended In Fairfield Artistic Visions Challenge

News release from the Fairfield Arts Commission:

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Arts Commission announced [on Tuesday] that it was both extending the deadline by one week and opening the portal for registered young artists to submit artwork as part of its inaugural Artistic Visions Challenge. The new deadline by which student artists must submit their digital work is Saturday, March 8th.

The Artistic Visions Challenge is a town-wide juried art competition aimed at encouraging young artists to create art in new and unique ways. The competition is open to all young people, ages 11-18, that either reside or attend school in Fairfield. Entries will be divided into two age categories: 11-14 and 15-18. Students may also elect to work in teams of up to three people. Cash prizes will be awarded in each category.

The theme of this year’s Challenge, which was unveiled at the December 5th Kick-Off meeting, is to create a work of art that makes a statement about the Town of Fairfield’s history. In addition to the theme, artists will also be expected to incorporate in their artwork the letters “F-A-I-R-F-I-E-L-D” and at least one “Easter Egg”—a hidden message
or reference to engage viewers.

Fairfield Public Schools District Art Coordinator, Michele Hermsen stated, “The Artistic Visions Challenge is a rare opportunity for creative community members of all ages to collaborate on a fun and challenging task.” She added, “This shared ‘Arts’ experience fosters relationships and human connection while providing an enriching educational experience for all involved.”

All artists were asked to register by January 31st, and have a parental or guardian co-sign as project supervisor to oversee and support the process. As of the deadline, the Arts Commission had received thirty-four registrants, representing eleven different public and private schools. “We are absolutely thrilled with the response to date from the students and the Fairfield arts community,” said Commissioner Sam Goldstein of the Fairfield Arts Commission, who conceived the Challenge. “The Artistic Visions Challenge was envisioned as a way to not only build a connection between our youth and the art community, but also to stimulate, foster, and encourage critical thinking and originality in all participants,” Goldstein added.

As part of their final submission, participants must include an artist statement describing their artwork and the process by which it was made along with a digital representation of their piece. Artists will now have until March 8th to submit their work via the application portal which can be found at www.fairfieldct.org/artchallenge. Artist participants will then receive further instructions on how and where to present their physical artwork for public display.

About the Fairfield Arts Commission
The Fairfield Arts Commission is an official body of the Town of Fairfield, comprised of nine volunteers appointed by the First Selectman. The purpose of the Fairfield Arts Commission is to stimulate, foster, facilitate and encourage the development and appreciation of artistic and cultural activities within the Town of Fairfield. Following their appointment in 2023, the members have been working toward achieving statewide recognition of a cultural district in Fairfield.