CALL FOR ENTRIES – Local High School Artists

ARTfactory – CALL FOR ENTRIES
“Off the Wall” High School Art Exhibit & Competition Application

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: November 13 by Midnight (via JotForm)
Notice of Acceptance: Monday, November 17

Exhibit dates: December 18, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Awards Ceremony: Saturday, January 10, 2-4 pm (Snow Date: Jan. 17)
ARTfactory, 9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110

Please note, application sections include:
-Student Entry Form
-Exhibit Release Form & Artist Contract
-Image/Entry Upload

What is “Off the Wall”?
The ARTfactory is pleased to present the 22^nd Annual Off the Wall High School Art Exhibit & Competition. Each year the area high school students are invited to share their talent by participating in a high school art exhibit and competition presented by the ARTfactory. The competition encourages student expression and creativity in a professional setting.

The exhibit includes student work in the following categories: Art & Technology, Painting/Drawing, Poetry, Wearable Art, and Photography! Each category is adjudicated by a professional in the field. Each student may submit to more than one category. 

Entry Specifications Per Category
Art & Technology: ie: 3-d printing/digital designs – 2-d digital designs (primarily created with computer software) are included in this category. Work must be printed and framed to hang on gallery walls or ARTfactory can provide gallery pedestals for display if the work is standalone sculptural (contact jexum@VirginiaARTfactory if pedestal is required for display). Entries must be submitted in .jpg/png format with a recommended resolution of 300 dpi.

Photography: Photos from mobile device cameras are eligible. Minor digital manipulation or alteration of content is permitted; however, please note: If the majority of the photograph is heavily manipulated/enhanced with software, your submission may be more appropriate for the Art & Tech. category. We recommend using a resolution of 300 dpi .jpg format to ensure the photograph is not grainy.

Painting/Drawing: Create an original painting/drawing using acrylic, watercolor, tempera, oil, pastel chalk, charcoal, colored pencils, graphite, etc. (or any combination of these) on a surface of your choosing (keep in mind all works must be framed). All paintings and drawings must be original artwork. Painting/Drawing pieces will be submitted electronically as high-quality photographs of the original artwork. Images should show only the artwork, not any mats or frames. Note: Mixed media works are included in this category.

Poetry: Enter a one-page poem and within the structure of the poem include the phrase:

This is Me
Let your poem express what it means to exist as you-or as someone you are becoming, or want to become.

The 1st place poetry winner will be invited to recite their poem at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, January 10.

Poetry Submission Idea: Email a video or audio clip of your poetry recitation for additional impact! Poetry judges love to be able to hear a poet’s inflection and tone. Please send any videos or audio clips to: [email protected] Note: Central Library’s makerspace in Manassas has a recording studio perfect for recording.

Wearable Art: Make something different in 3-D! You’ll get to show off during the “Off the Wall” Awards Ceremony at ARTfactory, January 10, 2026. This category is judged on site.

Contest rules for wearable “art”:
– make something original that can be worn, either you or your own selected model will wear the art for judging purposes at the “Off the Wall” Open House.
– use a layer of clothing underneath to build your art, around or attached, and be able to easily get in and out of it. Test what works: shorts and a loose top, a jumpsuit, short dress or tights and a top.
-use at least 50% recycled materials

You may not want to wear your wearable art traveling between your home and our venue, so think about this in planning your construction.

Show up at 2:15 pm at the “Off the Wall” Awards Ceremony. You can wear or bring your wearable art with you, and we will allow you a private space on our second floor to change.

Please note: Wearable art participants may submit “in progress” pics for this category.

Who is eligible to enter?
All students grades 9-12 who are currently enrolled in public, private or home schools in the City of Manassas, Manassas Park, & Prince William County are eligible to participate.

Presentation
Artwork must be dry and ready to hang or display with D-rings, framed, matted, or with finished/painted edges. ARTfactory’s hanging system works primarily with d-rings/strap hangers instead of wire, and wire is NOT required for display. No saw-tooth hangers. Click HERE for the FRAMING GUIDELINES PDF.

Important Dates
– Artists will be notified of artwork acceptance by end of business on Monday, November 17, 2025.
– Students are responsible for delivering their artwork to the ARTfactory.

All artwork must be delivered on one of the following dates:
Friday, December 12 (10 am-5 pm)
Sunday, December 14 (1-4 pm)

All artwork must be picked up on one of the following pick-up dates:
Tuesday, January 27 (10 am-5 pm)
Wednesday, January 28 (10 am-5 pm)

ARTfactory cannot be held responsible for any artwork left after the pickup deadline.
– The Awards Ceremony is Saturday, January 10, 2-4 pm (Snow Date: Jan. 17)
– The exhibit runs December 18, 2025 – January 25, 2026.
Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm, Sunday 12-5 pm.

Contact
ARTfactory, Gallery Director: Jordan Exum | [email protected] 9419 Battle St, Manassas, VA 20110 | 703-330-2787 Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday (10 am-5 pm), Sunday (12-5 pm) VirginiaARTfactory.org