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.

How It Works

Send your submission online through a form which requires:
Four images if your artwork submission (full photo and details)

• File type: jpeg, maximum of 1 mb
• File naming convention: LastName_FirstName_Title_Year

1-2 paragraph artist statement

• The story behind the piece
• Your creative process
• How it connects to the theme

Short bio and social media channels

• 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 14, 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 currently enrolled high school or undergraduate student
• Part-time high school or undergraduate students are welcome
• 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

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