ArtReach invites youth ages 4-18 to create a mini-masterpiece for a good cause!
ArtReach is seeking youth artists to submit mini masterpieces for a Youth Art Show inspired by play. Submissions must be exactly 6 inches wide by 6 inches tall and are due by Thursday, April 3, 2025
All art received by this date will be exhibited and sold at Mission Fed Artwalk in Little Italy on April 26-27th. 100% of the proceeds from this project support ArtReach’s mission to ignite youth creativity through visual arts expression and community connection.
Submissions for the 2025 Youth Art Show will open on January 30th!
Important Dates:
- Wednesday, April 3, 2025: ArtReach must receive all submissions by April 3 at 5pm. Mail to: ArtReach c/o Anna Laroque, P.O. Box 3999, San Diego, CA, 92163. In-person submissions may be possible by appointment only. Please email ArtReach staff if you need additional assistance at admin@artreachsandiego.org.
- Saturday, April 26, 2025: The Youth Art Show opens at Mission Fed Artwalk at 11am and closes on April 27 at 5pm. All remaining art will be sold online and at future events.
About the Youth Art Show
ArtReach’s 2024 Youth Art Show allowed youth to explore their artistic expression by visualizing where their dreams take them. By participating in the show, youth had the opportunity to display their art at ArtWalk events in Little Italy, Liberty Station, and Carlsbad while also supporting our mission to ignite youth creativity through visual art expression and community connection.
The sale of each mini-masterpiece funds two art classes for youth in San Diego; this ensures free programs for youth who do not otherwise have access to visual arts opportunities. ArtReach has partnered with ArtWalk since 2019 to showcase art and raise funds for free art programs at their outdoor festivals! These events allow local and visiting attendees to view and access local art.
Submission Guidelines:
- All mediums or art-making processes are encouraged (wet or dry).
- Confirm artwork measures exactly 6 inches wide x 6 inches tall. Please note that submissions of different sizes may not be included in the sale, we want all the artwork to be the same size!
- All submissions must be original works of art created and owned by a youth artist aged 4-18.
- Complete either a submission form online or download a PDF version of the form to fill out and turn in with your submission.
- Write your age and first and last name on the back of your piece.
- Each masterpiece will be sold for $20, with 100% of proceeds contributing to ArtReach’s mission.
Artwork Delivery:
- To ensure we receive your artwork before Artwalk Carlsbad, please mail all submissions to ArtReach at P.O. Box 3999, San Diego, CA, 92163.
- In-person submissions may be possible by appointment only. Please email ArtReach staff if you need additional assistance at admin@artreachsandiego.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate?
All youth between the ages of 4-18 are encouraged to submit artwork.
Do I have to be local to participate?
No, all youth ages 4-18 are encouraged to submit artwork. Submissions may be mailed at your own cost to our P.O. Box by April 3, 2025. Delivery Address: ArtReach c/o Anna Laroque, P.O. Box 3999, San Diego, CA, 92163.
What materials should be used to create the artwork?
Any material is acceptable as long as the final piece is 6″ x 6″. Please consider using a sturdy material so the artwork can stand or lean on its own. Some ideas are thick paper, stretched or unstretched canvas, thin wood, cardboard, illustration board, etc…
What are the size specifications?
The artwork should be exactly 6 inches wide by 6 inches tall. Please, no more than one and a half inches in depth.
Does the artwork need to include hanging hardware?
No.
What if I need an extension to submit?
All artworks must be received by April 3rd by 5pm. If you need to make special arrangements, please get in touch with admin@artreachsandiego.org.
When and where will the artwork be sold?
Artwork can be viewed and purchased at Mission Fed Artwalk starting April 26 at 11am and ending April 27 at 5pm. Additional art will be sold in our online store and at future events.
Will all the artwork submitted be displayed at Liberty Station Artwalk?
Artwork will be accepted at the discretion of ArtReach staff. As long as the artwork is 6 inches by 6 inches, responds to the prompt, and is created by a youth artist, then it will be exhibited in our Youth Art Show.
Can I have my artwork back if it doesn’t sell?
All artwork is be considered a donation to ArtReach. Please contact admin@artreachsandiego.org to make special arrangements after the event, if necessary.
What is Mission Fed Artwalk?
This is a two-day fine art festival in Little Italy. The festival will feature fine art including painting, sculpture, glass work, fine jewelry, photography and more. More than 150 fine artists’ work will be featured, along with interactive art for families at KidsWalk, a full palette of musical performers, food trucks and stands, and more.Visual and performing arts unite here, with over 175 fine artists showing and selling their work. See more info here.
If I want to purchase artwork, how will I receive it?
Artwork purchased during Artwalk can be taken home that day. All other pieces sold online can be picked up from ArtReach or mailed to you. If the artwork needs to be shipped within the US, additional costs may apply.
What is SEL?
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. SEL advances educational equity through authentic school-family-community partnerships to establish learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships. Learn more about the fundamentals of SEL here.