Often referred to as “child-sized masterpieces,” a Montessori masterpiece is a child’s interpretation of a preexisting artwork. Recognizing and learning about an artist and their own art-making process is an integral component of becoming informed citizens of the world. It is a way of learning about and interpreting history. This child-led activity exposes young people to formative works of art, enhances fine motor skills, stimulates free expression, and lays the foundation of a new skill. Children are encouraged to engage in an open-ended expression of a piece that they are inspired by. This prompt can take many forms, from direct replication to drawing on a shared theme to recreating the work in a unique style. 

Montessori embraces the process of art making over the product. The process of creating art is an exercise in becoming. It is both world-reflecting and world-building; a simultaneous expression and transformation of the self. Through engaging with art, we connect with history, culture, and our bodies/senses. 

• Passion shown in completion of project (5 points)

• Correctly naming artist, who its by (5 points)

• Innovative interpretation (5 points)

• Replicated impressively (5 points)

The competition is split into four age groups: 3 to 6, 6 to 9, 10 to 14, and 15 to 17. Four images will be featured in each issue of our resource guide, and will also be posted on our website. Submissions must include the name, age, and location (city, state) of the applicant. The winner’s information will be published alongside their masterpiece. 

For people ages 6 to 17, please write a statement on how you are or would like to make a positive impact on the world. This can be as short as a single sentence and as long as a paragraph (no longer than 200 words.)

Select any artwork that feels inspiring. Below is a document of potential options that can be printed out. 

• Name your image: firstname_lastname_s2021.jpg

• Student's name, address, age, and date of birth must be included with your submission

• Artwork is limited to one entry per student per quarter

• For ages 6 to 17 - write a statement or short paragraph describing a positive impact the child is having or would like to have in the world 

• Artwork should be submitted as a high resolution (e.g. minimum of 2,400 pixels by 2,400 pixels) image of the student’s original artwork

• Each file must be under 5 Megabytes in size

• Artwork must be submitted in .jpg or .png format

• Art can represent the following mediums: drawing and painting (i.e., pencil, charcoal, pastels, colored pencils, paint, water media, mixed media/collage) 

• Each piece of Art must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian of the student; if a teacher is submitting a student's artwork, the entry must still have the signature of a parent or legal guardian

Deadline for inclusion in the Spring 2023 issue: January 15th, 2023

Submission Terms & Agreement

I give Rising Stars Foundation permission to use, publish, distribute, and display publicly the submission, including but not limited to: the image of the artwork, name of the child, age, and school name and location. I understand that no financial compensation will be awarded to the winner of this competition. Rising Stars Foundation has free license to publish photos of my work in marketing materials. Such materials include but are not limited to: the Rising Stars website, social media, resource guide, and emails. I certify I am at least 18 years of age and have read the foregoing Official Rules and fully understand and agree to the contents. 

Submission images and information will be kept in a secure database until the winner is chosen. Submission entry images may also be used for contest promotions.

For additional questions or concerns, please contact development@risingstarsfoundation.org.