The Halton Hills Public Library and Helson Gallery are proud to present the fourth annual Art at the Library: Children's and Youth Art Exhibit! Enter your drawings, paintings, sculptures, and collage for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
All art submitted to the Art at the Library installation will be displayed at the Georgetown Branch from October 10 – October 25, 2026.
Art at the Library submissions are now closed.
Art at the Library
Contest information:
Dates
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Submissions accepted: Saturday, September 12 – Friday, October 2, 2026
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Winners announced: Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
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Grand Opening Exhibit: Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
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Exhibit open during library hours: Saturday, October 10 – Sunday, October 25, 2026
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Submission Guidelines
Submissions open September 12, 2026.
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All art must be the artist’s original work.
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All mediums are accepted.
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All artists submitting must consent to have their artwork photographed or reproduced in library advertisements.
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Physical work must be submitted with a form at the library. Forms are available at the Service Desk.
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Electronic submissions may be a maximum of 2 MB and can be submitted as the following file types: pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, tif. No USB drives or file transfers can be accepted.
Age Categories
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Preschool – Senior Kindergarten
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Grades 1-3
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Grades 4-6
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Grades 7-8
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Grades 9-10
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Grades 11-12
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Judging
The judges are artists, community members, illustrators, gallery curators, and art educators from the Halton Hills Community. Each judge will score the artwork based on composition and expression. The judges' decisions are final.
Winners
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Winners receive a $50 gift card.
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Winners will be announced at the Grand Opening of the Art at the Library Exhibit on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. All artists are encouraged to attend.
Our Sponsors
The Friends of the Halton Hills Public Library and the Helson Gallery sponsors our Art at the Library Children’s and Youth Art Exhibit.
Why Enter?
Win a Prize
Each winner receives a $50 gift card.
Become a Published Author
Winners are published in the INC. Project Anthology, which is part of the library's collection.
Share Your Writing
Winning entries are featured on the library's Short Story Dispenser for the community to enjoy.
Celebrate Your Success
Winners are invited to read their work at the INC. Project Awards, with all participants welcome to attend.
Contest Timeline
Winners Announced
November 27, 2026
Submission Deadline
November 10, 2026
Submissions Open
September 8, 2026
INC. Project Awards
Presented during Winter Wonder – December 5
Contest Categories
Both categories will be divided and judged in three age groups: Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-10
Poetry
Original works written in verse (maximum 40 lines).
Short Story & Essay
Original short stories or essays (maximum 2,000 words).
Before You Submit
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Open to students who live or attend school in Halton Hills
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One entry per category
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Typed and submitted electronically
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Original work
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Written in English
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Your own name or a pseudonym may be used
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Suitable for all audiences (no profanity or graphic content)
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By entering, you give HHPL permission to use your name for promotion if selected
How Winners Are Chosen
Entries are judged anonymously by librarians and community members, including teachers, local authors, and journalists. Judges don't know the writers' names until after judging is complete, ensuring every submission is evaluated fairly.
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The judges' decisions are final.
