Horseshoe Crabs & the Arts Competition

Our annual juried arts competition invites students from around the world to submit poems, tales and images in appreciation and celebration of the remarkable horseshoe crab. Through the arts, our future environmental stewards have a voice which is heard globally.

The competition is open to all grade levels pre-K – 12. Students may enter through their school or can enter individually. Each year 30-50 student visual/language artworks are selected to appear in our annual anthology, “Horseshoe Crabs & the Arts.” Each of the young artists as well as their teacher receives a copy of this limited edition artist’s book. All selected works are posted on our web site in the “Poems, Tales and Images” category. In addition the works are reproduced for exhibit in our traveling art exhibition, which has been hosted in art and nature centers throughout the United States and Japan. International entrants are encouraged to help us identify art centers in their countries that may also be interested in hosting the exhibition. We welcome invitations for international display of these outstanding student works!

The competition year begins each September. The deadline for receiving works is April 15th. Selected artists are notified by June 1st.

Contest Rules:

Contest Rules, Judging Criteria and Application Form | Japanese (pdf)

Contest Rules, Judging Criteria and Application Form | Chinese (pdf)

The focus of your poems, tales or images is to share with others your thoughts, feelings and visions about this remarkable creature and why we should respect and protect it. You're the artist, it's your message, pick the format that is most comfortable to you.
Pictures and information about horseshoe crabs can be found on our web site.
All students' pre-K-12 are encouraged to enter. A maximum of five (5) entries per person.
All entries must be received no latter than April 15th of the competition year, and be accompanied by a completed application form, signed by parent or guardian.
Only original work will be considered. Images should be on white paper no larger than 8 1/2"x 11". Poems and tales must also be on white paper no larger than 8 1/2"x 11", typed or written. Typing or printer paper is fine.
You can use any medium you prefer, i.e., pencil, markers, computer etc., however it is important for the image to be clear and strong so it will reproduce well.
The selected entries will become the sole property of ERDG Inc. Please submit a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of non-selected artworks.
Participation in the competition grants ERDG unlimited use of your entry for ERDG publications, products and other promotional use.
In addition to the students name, address, contact phone and email, all entries must also include the students teaches name, address and contact number as well as the schools name, address and contact number.

Judging Criteria:

ERDG board members will select winning entries based on originality and uniqueness.
Family members of ERDG's board and staff are not eligible.

Application Form (tape or staple to entry)
Students Name
Students Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
Grade
Age
Teacher's Name
Teacher's Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
School Name
School Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
Fax
Principal's Name
Parent/Guardian (print and sign)
Number of Entries (if more than one)
Teachers, please let us know if your class or school intends to participate. Glenn Gauvry 302 236-5383, erdg@horseshoecrab.org Mail Entries to: Contest Ecological Research & Development Group 32239 Nassau Road, Lewes, DE 19958, USA