DPL logo header version
Limitless possibilities start with Dallas Public Library

Express Yourself Cover Art Contest Logo

[ espanol ]

September 18, 2023 to January 31, 2024

Enter the Poetry Contest Enter the Cover Art Contest

Cover Art Contest

Complete Rules for Entry

  1. Artist Requirements:
    The Express Yourself Cover Art Contest is open to all artists in grade 2-12, who live in the City of Dallas or attend a school within Dallas city limits.

  2. The Artwork Must Be Original:
    You must be the creator of the artwork that is submitted to the contest. Your art must be your own original concept and not a copy of anyone else's copyrighted material. If your image infringes upon another's copyright, it will be disqualified.

  3. Art Requirements:
    • Any drawing or painting medium, including: pencil, watercolors, crayons, and acrylics can be used. Non-reflective sturdy paper such as watercolor paper or card stock is preferred. Artwork should be on vertical (portrait orientation). Maximum size 11in x17in
    • Any Graphic design software, including Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, or open source product, can be used. Your images are best represented at 1200px on the longest side and at a resolution of 150dpi. The acceptable file formats are: jpg or pdf.
    • Please submit all digital entries through the links above.

  4. Multiple Submissions:
    Only one submission per artist.

  5. Submission Deadline:
    Submissions accepted starting September 18, 2023. Artwork must be received or postmarked by January 31, 2024.

  6. Entry Process:
    1. Complete and attach the entry form.
    2. Art may be submitted in person at any Dallas Public Library Location.

      3. Submit by mail to:
      Express Yourself!
      Youth Discovery Center,
      J. Erik Jonsson Central Library,
      1515 Young St., Dallas, TX 75201-5499
      Submit online at: www.dallaslibrary.org/poetry

    3. All finalists will be notified by email by March 31, 2024.

  7. Judging Criteria:
    • Creativity
    • Originality
    • Quality
    • All qualified art will be judged separately in the following grade categories: 2-5, 6-8, 9-12.

  8. Finalists:
    • One overall winner will receive the Joe M. and Doris Russell Dealey Award of Achievement in Art, appear on the cover of the 28th edition of the Express Yourself! Anthology and win a scholorship of $500.
    • One winner per grade category will have their artwork appear on the back cover and receive a scholorship of $100.
    • Two finalists per grade category will have their artwork appear within the book.
    • All finalists will be invited to an award ceremony on April 25, 2024.

  9. All entries become the property of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library and the Dallas Public Library. Dallas Public Library is granted permission to use the drawings at its discretion. For more information contact: libyouthservices@dallascityhall.com

Looking for a paper entry form?

  • Submit your artwork at your local branch using this form.

How to Create Cover Art