ARTfactory – CALL FOR ENTRIES
"Off the Wall" High School Art Exhibit & Competition Application
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Sunday, November 15 by Midnight (via JotForm)
Notice of Acceptance: Tuesday, November 17
Exhibit dates: December 18, 2026-January 17, 2027
Awards Ceremony: Saturday, January 9, 2-4 pm (Snow Date: Jan. 16)
Gallery address: 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 23rd 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 at least 150 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 at least 150 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:
What I Carry
Enter a one-page poem exploring the things—physical or invisible—that you carry with you.
It could be a memory, a person’s words, a tradition, a dream, a secret, a fear, a place, an object, or something entirely unexpected.
Within the structure of your poem, include the phrase:
“I carry…”
The 1st place poetry winner will be invited to recite their poem at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, January 9.
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! Transform everyday, discarded, recycled, or upcycled materials into an original work of art you can wear. You’ll get to show off your creation during the “Off the Wall” Awards Ceremony at ARTfactory, January 9, 2026. This category is judged on site.
Contest rules for Wearable Art:
Create something original that can be worn. You or your selected model will wear the artwork for judging at the “Off the Wall” Awards Ceremony.
Use a layer of clothing underneath to build your art around or attach it to and make sure you can easily get in and out of your creation. Test what works best for your design—shorts and a loose top, a jumpsuit, a short dress, or tights and a top are all possibilities.
At least 50% of your wearable art must be made from recycled, upcycled, repurposed, or reclaimed materials. Think creatively! Give new life to materials that might otherwise be thrown away, such as old clothing, fabric scraps, cardboard, plastic, paper, packaging, household objects, or other discarded items.
Your wearable art should be more than a decorated piece of clothing—think of it as a 3-D work of art that transforms materials in an imaginative and unexpected way.
Plan ahead for transportation! You may not want to wear your wearable art while traveling between your home and our venue, so consider how your creation will be transported and assembled when planning your construction.
Show up at 2:15 p.m. at the “Off the Wall” Awards Ceremony. You can wear or bring your wearable art with you. We will provide a private space on our second floor where you can change into your creation.
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.
Questions? Contact Gallery Director, Jordan Exum ([email protected])
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.