Students: want to design the next GBF program cover?

(Updated submission deadline!)

The Gaithersburg Book Festival is marking its 15th anniversary with an art contest for high school students in Montgomery County, Md. Students are invited to submit original artwork on the theme of “celebrating 15 years of books, writers and literary excellence” by no later than Friday, January 5 at noon ET.

The winning artwork – judged on originality, creativity and overall effect – will be featured on the cover of the 2024 Gaithersburg Book Festival program, which is available to festival goers, as well as more than 100 featured authors and illustrators from around the world. More than 2,500 Festival programs will be distributed, with the winning artist also being credited by name and title of the artwork anywhere the program cover image appears. The winning artist and their family will receive an invitation to the exclave author reception, preceding the Festival.

“The Gaithersburg Book Festival is not only renowned for the authors it attracts, but also award-winning illustrators and artists who express stories in images they create,” said Jud Ashman, Festival founder and chair, who also serves as Mayor of the City of Gaithersburg. “As we prepare for our 15th Festival, we are proud to give students in our county the opportunity to express their creativity as they bring the mission of our Festival to life with their artwork.”

Read all of the rules and where to submit HERE!