Annual Art Contest Spotlights Student Creativity
HCSEF Hosts Fifth Student Art Contest
We are excited to announce the fifth annual Horizon Charter Schools Education Foundation (HCSEF) Student Art Contest is underway! Open to all Horizon Charter Schools (HCS) students in grades TK-12, we encourage children to show off their creativity and participate in this fun competition.
After the contest, HCSEF volunteers will post all entries in the halls of Horizon’s district offices in Lincoln, California. Winning entries receive a Barnes & Noble gift card courtesy of the HCSEF (see below for details). Horizon’s annual Student Art Calendar will feature first and second place winners. Horizon provides a calendar for every family at the beginning of the school year.

Student Art Contest Themes
Each year, the Foundation picks two themes to inspire students while creating their works of art. The original artwork must incorporate one of these themes. This year’s themes are:
Celebrating the West
United Nations
Past themes included fun topics like “Who is Your Super Hero,” “Fantasy Creatures” and “Welcome to the Circus.”

Prizes Awarded for Winners in Each Category
Entries are divided into categories by student grade level. Categories include:
- TK-1st
- 2nd-3rd
- 4th-6th
- 7th-9th
- 10th-12th
After the contest, HCSEF’s Student Art Contest panel of judges review all entries, then choose first, second and third place winners and honorable mention for each age group. In addition, Horizon’s superintendent will choose her favorite image, with the student receiving the coveted Superintendent’s Award.
The Foundation provides a certificate of participation to every student that enters the contest. Plus, winners in each category receive gift cards.
- First Place: $40 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
- Second Place: $30 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
- Third Place: $20 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
- Honorable Mention: $10 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
Winners will be notified by Friday, April 9, 2021 and recognized virtually during Horizon’s April 15, 2021 Governing Board meeting.

Entering the Student Art Contest
To enter HCSEF’s Student Art Contest, students must create an original work of art that follows one of this year’s contest themes (Celebrating the West or United Nations). Students may only submit one entry each. In addition, students must create their masterpieces ENTIRELY by themselves.
The deadline to submit entries for the 2021 Student Art Contest is Wednesday, March 23, 3021 at 10:30am.
Mail entries to Horizon’s district office at PO Box 489000, Lincoln, CA 95648. To ensure delivery, families may drop off entries at Horizon’s district office located at 2800 Nicolaus Road, Suite 100, Lincoln, CA 95648.
Please note, due to COVID restrictions, Horizon’s district offices are only open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30am for drop offs. Visitors must wear facemasks and follow all government-mandated coronavirus social distancing rules.
Original artwork must be submitted. Artwork will not be returned to students. Students should scan or take a copy or a photo of their artwork if they would like a replica for themselves.

2021 Contest Guidelines:
To participate in the Foundation’s Student Art Contest, please be sure to follow these rules:
- Each student may only submit one entry.
- Students must create their masterpieces ENTIRELY by themselves.
- Original art must be hand drawn or painted on either poster board, paper or canvas.
- We will accept oil, watercolor, pastels, acrylic, pencil or crayon drawings.
- No digital images.
- Do not fold your original artwork.
- Entries must follow contest themes.
- Artwork must be no smaller than an 8″x10″ and no larger than 26″x39″.
- A signed photo release must be included with all student artwork.
- Student’s contact information must be on the BACK of the artwork and include:
- Student name
- Grade level
- Phone number
- Current address
- We encourage students to sign the front of their masterpieces.
- HCSEF reserves the right to turn away any submissions with religious content or deemed inappropriate, discriminatory, violent for our younger viewers or offensive in subject matter by the HCSEF Student Art Contest Committee at its sole discretion.
- Any artwork that depicts copyrighted images will be disqualified per copyright laws. All artwork must be original ideas and created entirely by the student.
- Decision of the judges is final.
The HCSEF 2021 Student Art Contest flyer containing contest information and rules may be downloaded here.
Questions?
If you have questions or want more information, please email the Foundation at HCSEFoundation@hcs.k12.ca.us.
We look forward to your entries!

About the Horizon Charter Schools Education Foundation
A non-profit corporation dedicated to raising money to benefit Horizon Charter Schools students, the HCSEF helps give Horizon students the opportunity to pursue academic achievement. As a result, students become more productive and responsible citizens.
The HCSEF supports activities, programs and events including:
- Awarding college scholarships to graduating seniors
- Providing funds, awards and assistance at school events and programs
- Participating in school events
- Coordinating the HCS Sunshine Committee
- Administering fundraisers
- Purchasing and selling school spirit swag
100% of all contributions go directly to support Horizon’s students. To donate, contact an HCSEF member or email HCSEFoundation@hcs.k12.ca.us. For more information or to join the Horizon Charter Schools Education Foundation, please visit www.HorizonCharterSchools.org/Foundation.