Creative Expression Competition

The annual Creative Expression Competition gives our Chandler students an opportunity to express themselves and share their talent with the city. It is open to all students living or attending school in Chandler.

Students can:

Write a one-page essay incorporating this year’s theme (typed is preferred)
Create a visual piece of art no larger than 8.5 x 11. This can include photographs, paintings, sketches, mosaics, handmade art using crayons, colored pencils and more.

Competition Guidelines

No names on the front of writing or visual entries.
Writing | Essay
- Entries are limited to one page.
- Eligible grade-level categories: K-3, 4-8, 9-12
Visual | Photography, painting, sketch, or other visual art
- Artwork size cannot exceed 8.5 x 11.
  - If the artwork is larger than 8.5 x 11, the art will not be able to be displayed in the libraries during December.
- Horizontal orientation is preferred.
- Eligible grade level categories: K-3, 4-8, 9-12

A student may submit an entry for both the writing and visual arts category, but only one entry per person for each category.

Due to the volume of artwork we receive, we are unable to return any of the submitted art or essays.

Judging Criteria

Writing: Readability, reflection of theme, use of writer’s understanding of cultural experiences
Visual: Composition, presentation, technique, and subject.

All material presented must be deemed appropriate by judges. All entries that do not meet contest guidelines may be subject to disqualification.

All entries will be displayed at one of the Chandler Public Libraries for the month of December 2025 and the winners of each category will have their artwork displayed at the Chandler Multicultural Festival on Jan. 17, 2026.

Due to the high number of entries we receive, we are unable to return the artwork to the students. The winning artwork will be showcased here, on the Chandler Unified School District website, and will be shared on social media.

How to Enter

Entries will be accepted Sept. 2 to Nov. 3, 2025.

Entries can be dropped off at the following locations and entry forms are available.