Judiciary Contest for Young Artists Helps Promote Peacemaking

(ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Sept. 5, 2014) The Maryland Judiciary is asking young artists to help promote peacemaking in its annual Conflict Resolution Student Bookmark Art Contest. The contest, for Maryland students, grades K-8, helps celebrate Conflict Resolution Day, which is Thursday, Oct. 16.

Young artists are invited to create bookmarks based on the theme of resolving or preventing conflict. Topics can include peer mediation, talking things out, apologizing, respecting differences, solving problems together, listening, tolerance, building peace, or alternatives to violence.

Submissions will be judged on creativity and message. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place in three age groups: grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. For each age group there will be a prize of: $75 for first place; $50 for second place; and $25 for third place. In addition to the prizes, four to six entries will be printed as bookmarks to promote conflict resolution across Maryland.

The contest, sponsored by the Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO), has become very popular since it began in 2005, and now receives more than 1,000 entries each year from students across Maryland.

Winning students and their families will be honored at a ceremony and reception at the Courts of Appeal Building in Annapolis on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera will meet with the students and families and present the awards. The best 1,000 entries will be displayed in the building’s lobby in November and December.

Submissions are due by Conflict Resolution Day on Thursday, Oct. 16. Original artwork may be submitted using a template from MACRO’s website, www.mdcourts.gov/macro, or on any paper format. The finished image size must be no larger than 3 inches high by 9 inches wide. The back of the artwork should include:

• The student’s name, age and grade
• School or program name, if appropriate
• Teacher’s name and email address
• Return address (artwork will be returned after the contest ends)

Do not fold entries, and mail or deliver to MACRO, 2001-C Commerce Park Drive, Annapolis, Md., 21401.

For more information about the Conflict Resolution Day Student Bookmark Art Contest, contact Alecia Parker, 410-260-3540, or [email protected].  

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Media: For more information, please contact the Office of Communications and Public Affairs, 410-260-1488, or email [email protected] or [email protected].

Artwork is by Elise Wood, first place winner, 2014, grade 3-5.