• Entries: September 6th-September 30th  

• Notifications to accepted artists via email – October 5th 

• Notifications to non-accepted artists via email – October 5th

• Networking Event: November 9^th, 2:00-5:00 PM

• Teen Arts Fest 2024: November 16^th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Drop off Dates – October 10th – 20th
  • Drop off locations will be at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Cordova Library, and other locations will be announced soon.  

The following prizes are awarded: 

$500 — Best in Show 

$300 — First Place 

$200 — Second Place 

$250 Purchase award-To be sponsored by a local organization or company

Pieces will be judged by Visual Impact, Interpretation and Creativity, Composition/Design and Craftmanship.

The exhibition is open to artists  13-19 in the Memphis/Shelby County TN. Area

There are no fees associated with the Friends of the Library Teen Arts Fest. 

If your art piece is purchased, 20% of the purchase will go towards the Friends of the Library Branch that you designate.  

Entry forms, images must be submitted electronically. You can submit your entries at the below application. 

• Artists may submit up to three pieces for judging.  
• Images must be in JPG format, minimum 300 DPI resolution, and identified by the artist’s last name and (unique) title of work. Image file size must not exceed 10 MB.  
• Images may be used for marketing and exhibition-related publication.
• Eligible Work: 
• Artwork in the following forms is accepted: Paintings, drawings, original prints, fiber art, ceramics, sculpture, photography, graphic design, jewelry, film, and fashion.  
• All components must be affixed, no separate parts.  
• Teen Arts Fest cannot accept performance or installation works.  
• Only original artworks by the entering artist will be accepted, no reproductions.  
• Entries must have been completed within the last three years. 

Entry Specifications: 

Two-dimensional entries may be at most 70 inches by 70 inches and must be no smaller than 8 inches by 10 inches framed.  

• All two-dimensional work must be framed and/or ready for display.  

• Works on paper must be framed and glazed or matted.   

• Three-dimensional entries may not exceed 30 pounds and 30 inches by 30 inches. 

Photography and Digital art must be printed out, matted, and framed. Photography and Digital Art must submit one print. You are not able to sell multiple prints.  

• If your art piece is purchased, 20% of the purchase will go towards the Friends of the Library Branch that you designate.  
•  The listed sales prices must include the commission.  
• Pricing Guide: (Hourly Wage × Hours Spent) + Cost of Materials 

           We suggest an hourly wage of $10.00 to $13.00 per hour 

•  Films will not be eligible for sale

• If the artwork is not for sale, print “NFS,” but a value is still required.

Friends of the Library-Teen Arts Fest reserves the right to photograph and reproduce all works accepted into the exhibition for educational and media purposes. 

Friends of the Library-Teen Arts Fest does not insure artworks in this exhibition while on display or while in transit to and from Teen Arts Fest. Friends of the Library-Teen Arts Fest, its staff, and its volunteers are not responsible for loss or damage to artworks in this exhibition however the damage may be caused. The entrant’s submission of the entry form constitutes an agreement to these terms and conditions.  

For questions about the Friends of the Library-Teen Arts Fest  Juried Exhibition or for help with the submission process, please contact Teen Services Coordinator at nakia.armstrong@memphistn.gov

Submissions are reviewed by a panel of esteemed judges and library reps. Notifications for acceptance or nonacceptance into the show will be sent. If you are accepted into the show, you will be instructed on when and where to drop off your artwork. Accepted or not accepted into the show, we work to encourage youth artists to attend and enjoy!

Teen Artists MAY(if the piece requires special installation) be asked to support and assist with setting up and showcasing their pieces.

 All accepted artists are required to participate in the event. This is an opportunity to show your work and possibly sell your artwork. It is required that you, or a representative be at the event.

Please invite friends, family, teachers, and anyone that supports you in your community. This is a celebration for you and we would love to see as many people there as possible.