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THE HAPPY HANDS

PAINTING

COMPETITION

Theme: Rooted in Summer

Artists are invited to interpret the theme creatively. This may include ideas of growth, light, warmth, nature, identity, community, or personal transformation inspired by the season.

Celebrate creativity, community, and original expression. We invite artists to submit original works inspired by this year’s theme: summer. Selected finalists will showcase their work at our Open Studio Day!

Open to currently enrolled high school and undergraduate students.

This friendly art competition is a way to support fellow hobbyists, amateur, or emerging artists. As a way of giving back to the community and uplifting creative voices, having this competition ties back into Happy Hands values of empowering and engaging artists in their early stages.

SUBMIT ARTWORK

How It Works

Send your submission online through a form that requires:

Artist bio/Tell us about yourself (max 200 words).Artwork submission: must be high quality and allow us to see the entire image.

  • File type: jpeg, maximum of 1 mb
  • File naming convention: LastName_FirstName_Title_Year
  • Ensure that we have access to the link
Details about the artwork (title, medium, year, dimensions)Artist statement – about the artwork and how it connects to the theme.Social media channels, if you have any.
  • The top 10 finalists will be selected by a panel of Happy Hands Pottery & Art Studio experienced instructors and guest judge
  • The top 5 finalists will be determined through an online voting system on the Happy Hands website from June 8 to 11, 2026
  • The top 5 finalists must attend and present their work at our Open Studio on June 18 where the top 3 winners will be awarded.

Submission opens on April 16, 2026 and closes on May 30, 2026. No submission fee required.

Judging Criteria

  • Creativity & originality (30%)
  • Technical skill (25%)
  • Connection to theme (25%)
  • Artist statement (20%)

Requirements

  • Must be an original work
  • No digital-only artwork or AI
  • Subjects of gore, nudity, and violence will not be accepted
  • No reproductions or prints
  • One submission only per person
  • The artwork must have been made within 5 years
  • The artwork must use only the following media: acrylic, gouache, watercolor, oil
  • Maximum artwork size is 18″ x 24″
  • Minors under 18 years old must submit a parental consent form

Eligibility

  • 16-24 years old
  • Must be a resident within the Greater Toronto Area
  • Must be an emerging artist who is not currently represented by a commercial gallery and does not earn their primary income from art

Prizes

  • Grand Prize: Multi-week Art Course ($190 in value) at Happy Hands + Art Supply Gift
  • Two runner-ups: $100 Happy Hands Gift Card + Art Supply Gift each
SUBMIT ARTWORK

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can enter the competition?

Anyone who is 16-24 years old is encouraged to apply to this opportunity.

What is this year’s theme?

Rooted in Summer

Artists are invited to interpret the theme creatively. This may include ideas of growth, light, warmth, nature, identity, community, or personal transformation inspired by the season.

How many pieces can I submit?

We’re accepting one artwork per submission. Do not send multiple submissions as we’re only assessing the first one.

What are the artwork requirements?

Paintings:

  • Must be original work
  • Oil and water-based mediums are accepted: acrylic paint, watercolor, gouache, oil paint
  • No digital-only artwork or AI
  • No reproductions or prints
What do I need to include in my submission?
  • Include an image of the full artwork.
  • Artist bio
  • About the artwork
  • Artist statement and social media channels

Submissions are completed online through the Google Form.

When are submissions open?
  • Open: April 16
  • Close: May 30 (11:59 PM)

Late submissions will not be accepted. 

How are works selected?

All applications will be evaluated by a panel of Happy Hands instructors and an experienced guest.

Panelists reflect Happy Hands’ commitment to:

  • Inclusivity
  • Diversity
  • Equity
  • Access

The Top 5 finalists will be selected based on creativity, originality, connection to the theme, and craftsmanship.

What happens if I am selected as a Top 5 finalist?

Top 5 finalists will:

  • Be notified on June 13
  • Be featured in a Happy Hands blog post
  • Be required to bring their artwork to the Open Studio Showcase on June 18, from 5:30pm-7pm (optional: talking about their work)

Finalists must be available to attend in person.

What happens at the Open Studio Showcase?

Finalists will display their artwork and briefly share about their piece. After the showcase, judges will determine the Top 3 winners.

When are winners announced?

The top 3 winners will be announced on the same day as Open Studio (June 18)

Winners will also be featured on Happy Hands’ website and social media platforms.

What are the prizes?

Prizes are given the day of the Open Studio. The finalist prize includes:

  • Grand Prize: Multi-week Art Course ($190 in value) at Happy Hands + Art Supply Gift
  • Two runner-ups: $100 Happy Hands Gift Card + Art Supply Gift each
Can I sell my artwork at the Open Studio?

Artists are not permitted to sell their artwork during the Open Studio; we will have future events for selling any artwork.

Can I submit more than one piece?

Each participant may submit one artwork only. Choose an artwork that relates to the theme.

What if I can’t attend the Open Studio Day?

Attendance on June 18 is required for the Top 5 finalists. If you cannot attend, your spot may be offered to another applicant.

Will my images and statement be used publicly?

Yes. By submitting, you agree that Happy Hands may use your images and artist statement for:

  • Online voting system
  • Blog announcements
  • Social media promotion
  • Marketing related to the competition

Full credit will always be given to the artist.

Is there a submission fee?

No submission fee.

New work?

Within 5 years

Who can I contact for questions?

For additional inquiries, please contact Angelica:
angelica.coordinator@happyhandspottery.ca

Special thanks for our prize sponsor:

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