Ignite 2022: A Youth Showcase Of Art Inspired By Historic Women Of The SouthCoast - New Bedford Whaling Museum
The logo for "Ignite: A youth showcase of art inspired by historic women of the SouthCoast."

Call for Young Artists!

Young artists are invited to ignite interest in the impact of women from the region through original art projects inspired by Lighting the Way: Historic Women of the SouthCoast.  

Original works of art are being solicited that highlight the accomplishments and stories of women featured in the Lighting the Way project. Art that is chosen to be a part of the Ignite showcase will be shared at a showcase on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 6:00pm.

All pieces included in the showcase will be exhibited at the New Bedford Whaling Museum in a special temporary exhibition, and will be eligible for an award based on their relevance, creativity, and originality. Selected pieces may be featured on the Lighting the Way website or other materials.

How to Participate

If you are in grades 4 -12 and would like to participate, follow these steps:

  1. Watch videos and read through highlighted profiles of the incredible women highlighted throughout the Lighting the Way website for inspiration.
  2. [Optional] Watch additional videos at this link to receive guidance and ideas for creating artwork.
  3. Choose a Lighting the Way woman.
  4. Create a painting, drawing, or collage that tells us about your chosen woman’s accomplishments.
  5. Title your artwork and write an Artist Statement.
  6. Take a photo of your artwork.
  7. Submit your entry at this form by midnight on March 31, 2022.
  8. If your piece is selected to be exhibited at the Ignite Showcase, you’ll be notified by April 8, 2022
  9. Plan to attend the showcase on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 6:00pm.

Submissions Must Include the Following

  • Completed submission form here.
  • An Artist Statement – 1-2 paragraphs describing yourself, the woman you choose to highlight, and a description of what you created and why.
  • Your original artwork can be a drawing, painting, collage, or digital artwork.
  • Your original artwork must be one of the following sizes: 8 x 10 inches, 8.5 x 11 inches, 9 x 12, 12 x 18 inches, or 11 x 14 inches. Larger artwork cannot be accepted.
  • Include a high-quality photo of the artwork as a digital file in JPG format.
    • Check the settings on your camera (whether you are using a phone or a camera). Set it to the highest quality that you can.

Important Dates

March 1: Contest begins
March 1 – 31: Watch highlight and instructional videos here. (optional)
March 31: Submission deadline for all entries
April 8: Artists selected to be included in the showcase are notified
April 15: Delivery deadline for artwork to be displayed at the showcase
April 21: Ignite Showcase takes place
April 21 – May: Ignite exhibition on display at the New Bedford Whaling Museum

Contact: Cathy Saunders, Lighting the Way Coordinator at csaunders@education.WhalingMuseum.org 

Experience the Art!

This program is supported in part by a grant from the New Bedford Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.