The Sheldon Art Galleries and Circus Flora are teaming up this summer to sponsor an art contest and exhibition inspired by Circus Flora’s new show, The Wizard: Merlin & the Legends of King Arthur.
Budding artists from pre-K to 12th grade are invited to submit artwork demonstrating a unique interpretation of the circus. Submissions may be in any medium including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.
“I first saw the circus three years ago, and fell in love with it,” said Rebecca Gunter, Sheldon Gallery Coordinator and Education Manager. “We’re always looking forward to new ideas for the children’s gallery, and I thought it would be fun to see what the kids would do with this.”
According to Gunter, who is organizing the contest along with Sheldon Galleries Director Olivia Lahs-Gonzales, up to 40 entries will be showcased in the Sheldon Art Galleries’ AT&T Gallery of Children’s Art early next year. Three winners will receive prize baskets with art supplies provided by Blick Art Materials. Additionally, the first prize winner’s entry will be featured on posters and other promotional materials.
“I don’t really know what we’ll get, but I’m super excited to see them,” Gunter says. “The most creative and elaborate ones will probably be the ones we choose, but the simple ones could also be very good.”
Circus Flora specializes in one-ring productions, particularly showcasing interactions between humans and animals. Originally commissioned in 1986, the circus was established a year later as a permanent St. Louis institution. The Sheldon Art Galleries were established in 1998 by the Sheldon Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to the exhibition of artwork in all media.
“We thought it would be the perfect partnership,” said Lahs-Gonzales. “There has been great circus-related artwork in the history of art, and we wanted to carry on that tradition.”
Contest submissions are due by August 1, and should be mailed or delivered toThe Sheldon Art Galleries, 3648 Washington, St. Louis, MO 63108. Submission policies and forms can be found at thesheldon.org/circus.asp.
