Rules and Regulations
Theme – Painting and Photography:
All visual art and photography pieces presented for submission must contain iconic/historic images which are symbolic of the city of Memphis, including replicas representative of Memphis’ heritage, i.e. blues/jazz/bluegrass music, famous native Memphians, Beale St., downtown Main St. Trolley cars, etc.
Visual Interpretation – Painting and Photography:
It is one of our main goals through this program to provide students with general theme guidelines, while also allowing their creativity and vision to capture the true spirit of our great city of Memphis. We encourage each student to incorporate technical aspects in their submissions, including abstractions, array of colors, lighting, composition, landscapes, environments, etc. Be creative!
Number of Entries Per Student:
Each student will be allowed ONE entry, or if they so choose, are allowed ONE entry into each category for this competition, i.e. one painting, and one photograph. Student entry forms MUST include student name and title of painting/photo in the title, but not the school. For example: “Joe Smith – Memphis Sounds.” In addition, entry forms must be submitted digitally via online form at flymemphis.com. The entry form webpage link will be sent out after January 1, 2025.
Paintings:
Each contestant will need to submit a digital sample of their artwork. The recommended size for preliminary artwork is a 12” x 16” on non-matte canvas or sketch paper (heavy stock). Additionally, each student is allowed to incorporate textiles/materials into their artwork. Submissions can be sent to arts@flymemphis.com. Student submissions MUST include student name and title of the painting, but not the school. For example: “Joe Smith – Memphis Sounds.” Finalists selected in the first round of judging will then submit a 30″ x 40″ canvas by April 11, 2025.
Photography:
Each contestant can submit a high resolution photo to arts@flymemphis.com. The judges will be looking for authenticity and originality as it relates to the overall sample. We encourage each student to avoid filters unless the filter assists in the overall vision. Student submissions MUST include student name and title of the photograph, but not the school. For example: “Joe Smith – Memphis Sounds.”
Sales:
Final selections may be reproduced for the sole purpose of raising funds for the Memphis International Airport Community Foundation to help purchase the necessary art supplies for the contest. Should the artwork be purchased, any monies collected from this transaction shall be remitted to the student artist.
Sold/Unsold Art:
All pieces sold during the one-year exhibition will be delivered to the respective buyers, and all remaining selections will be returned to the original artist (Date may vary, but approximately May 2026).