Summer in the City Art Show FAQ
How do I participate?
Fill out the registration form on touchstonegallery.com/studentart
Who is eligible to submit?
All artists must be 13-19 years old and located in the DMV-area (high school classes of 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 or 2029).
What sort of art are you looking for?
Almost all visual mediums ranging from traditional paint, photography, digital art, and sculptures are allowed. Poetry and literary works are also welcomed, but poems emailed for submission will not be eligible for the prize competition. All works must be 10”x10” and no more than 5” in depth.
Is this an art competition?
This is an art exhibition and poetry reading, but there will also be some prizes awarded.
Are any supplies provided?
Art kits with a 10” x 10” canvas, brushes, and an acrylic paint set are available for free (one per registered teen) at Touchstone Gallery for pick-up until supplies run out during the following dates and times:
July 18- 20 from 12 pm - 5 pm
July 22-24 from 10 am - 6 pm
July 25-27 from 12 pm - 5 pm
Touchstone Gallery is located at 901 New York Ave NW (near the Carnegie Library Apple Store, next to Yardbird/CitySwing and across the street from the Conrad Hotel), just 3 blocks from the Gallery Place and Metro Center stops.
Student artists can also register to bring a 5" x 7" or 7" x 5" photograph or digital print that the Touchstone team will put in a 10" x 10" mat. 5" x 7" prints can be ordered at most full service pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens. Images can be brought on standard letter (8.5" x 11") paper from a standard printer (available at supply stores and FedEx Office, etc.), but only a 5" x 7" section will be visible so the image should be properly scaled before printing.
All artwork must be original and use of copyrighted images or materials is prohibited. Digital artwork must be created entirely by the artist, not an AI software program.
What do I need to provide?
One completed 10” x 10” artwork (or a 5” x 7” photograph or digital print) with prior registration).
Your name, grade level, school name, the artwork title, materials you used, and any other important information you might want to share.
For poems: student artists are welcome to bring a 10” x 10” stylized version or email the poem text to exhibitions@touchstonegallery.com no later than August 2 (note: emailed poems are not eligible for the visual arts prizes). When registering to participate, students will also be asked if they would like to read their poem.
Will work be for sale?
No works will be for sale. All works will be taken by the artists after the show has concluded.
What do I do with my completed artwork?
Completed artworks must be delivered to Touchstone Gallery on one of the following dates. Late works will not be accepted.
Tuesday, July 29 from 10 am - 6 pm
Wednesday, July 30 from 12-5 pm
Thursday, July 31 from 12-5 pm
Friday, August 1 from 12-5 pm
Saturday, August 2 from 12 - 2 pm
Touchstone Gallery is located at 901 New York Ave NW (near the Carnegie Library Apple Store, next to Yardbird/CitySwing and across the street from the Conrad Hotel), just 3 blocks from the Gallery Place and Metro Center stops.
What are the dates of the show?
The show will be on view from 2 pm - 7 pm on Tuesday, August 4, 2025. There will be a reception and poetry reading from 5-7 pm. Awards will be presented during this time.