Reynolds Poet Laureate and Visual Art Luminary Awards

Announcing the Reynolds Community College Poet Laureate and Visual Art Luminary Awards!

Are you a Reynolds student who writes poetry or creates visual art?

If so, please consider entering the competition for the Reynolds Community College Poet Laureate and Visual Arts Luminary Award using this interest application.

The theme of the competition is “I Belong.”

The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2024.

ELIGIBILITY

Both the Visual Art Luminary award and the Poet Laureate competition are open to all students who are enrolled at least part-time in adult education, workforce credential, certificate, or degree programs at a participating Virginia Community College in Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and/or Spring 2024.

Applicants may submit materials only to the college within their region to enable them to accept college and service region invitations. Dual enrollment or early college students under age 18 must be able to secure parental permission. Students who live out of state may submit only to the college serving their region.

Special Note: Applicants who submit incomplete applications by College’s deadline of 3/1 will not be considered. Those selected to advance will have a second state-wide application to complete with same works awarded in the College-wide contest.

ACCEPTED WORKS

Visual Arts: The competition is open to the following types of work: drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture. We are unable to accept works of video, film, performance art, jewelry, or craft. Artworks created using artificial intelligence (AI-ART) are not eligible.

Poet Laureate: The competition is open to poems and prose poems.

JUDGING

Visual Arts: The selection of the Visual Art Luminary award is a competitive process that includes a completed interest application and submission of one original artwork related to the theme, “I Belong.” An image of the winning artwork from each participating college will be featured at the New Horizons Conference, the state Poet Laureate competition, and in a publication. The VCCS is exploring other opportunities to exhibit winning work.

Poet Laureate: The selection of the Poet Laureate is a competitive process that includes a completed application, submission of original poetry, and performance of original poetry related to the theme, “I Belong.” The Reynolds Poet Laureate will be invited to share the selected poem at the Faculty Forum this May. At the systemwide competition, college laureates will be evaluated on the following criteria: original poetry (the three initial submissions plus two additional poems); the live performance of original poetry; and an interview with a panel of judges.