In observance of National Conflict Resolution Day on Thursday, October 17, 2024, the Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) is seeking entries for the 19th Annual Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest. The contest is open to all Maryland students in kindergarten through eighth grade. 

The top entries will be displayed at the Maryland Judicial Center (MJC) in Annapolis. Winning students, their families, and teachers will be invited to the awards ceremony and reception on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the MJC, where the Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader will present the awards.

Grade levels and judging criteria: Art will be judged in three categories: kindergarten through second grade; third through fifth grade; and sixth through eighth grade. Students who are homeschooled are welcome to participate. Submissions will be judged on uniqueness, artistry, creativity, and message. Teachers and parents, please ask your children to check their spelling, but please do not write on their bookmark art.

Prizes: The following prizes will be awarded for each category:

• 1st place: Winner will receive $100.
• 2nd place: Winner will receive $75.
• 3rd place: Winner will receive $50.
• Honorable Mention: Winners will receive certificates and be invited to the awards ceremony.

Several winning entries will be printed as bookmarks and used to promote conflict resolution across Maryland. Winners whose bookmarks are selected for printing will receive copies of their own entry.

To Enter: Submit original artwork using the template provided (see link below) or submit your artwork on plain white paper. The finished image size must be no larger than 2.75 inches high by 7.5 inches wide. Please be sure to label your artwork clearly, providing all the information on the template, and do not trim your artwork to size if the template is not used. The label should include: the student’s name, age, and grade; school or program name, if appropriate; teacher’s or parent’s name; an email address; and a mailing address where the entry can be returned after the contest is complete. Please do not fold or cut your artwork to size.

Download this template: 2024 Bookmark Template (.docx).

Theme: Subject matter should reflect a conflict resolution or prevention theme, such as talking things out, apologizing, respecting differences, solving problems together, listening, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, peace building, peer mediation, and alternatives to violence. To see images of past winners, visit the Judiciary's website here.

Deadline: All entries must be postmarked by Thursday, October 17, 2024.

Artwork may be mailed or hand-delivered to:
Cheryl Jackson
Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO)
Administrative Office of the Courts
187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401

Please email Cheryl Jackson at [email protected] or call 410-260-3540 with any questions. 

By submitting a bookmark entry for this contest, you are providing consent and permission for the Judiciary to use the artwork in any future public awareness materials promoting conflict resolution.