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FAQs

Who is eligible to enter the contest?

Children need to be 7 or older and currently in the New Jersey child welfare system.

Why is the contest only open to children in the child welfare system?

The Stories in Color Art Contest is only open to children in the New Jersey child welfare system to align with the mission of Child Focus, a non-profit organization that champions the best interests of children impacted by, or at risk of, abuse or neglect.

What types of art media are acceptable?

Any type of art: pencils, inks, charcoals, pastels, paints, 3D, textile, and more. We celebrate creativity in all its forms.

Does the art have to be of something specific?

No. Art can be of anything! It can be imaginative, be realistic, be abstract, be surreal!

Does the art have to feature the color orange?

If a child needs inspiration, then this year's theme is the color orange. If a child has different ideas that aren't on theme, that's fine too. Every drawing, painting, and picture is a unique expression!

How big can the art be?

2-D art must fit within 3’ x 3’. 3-D art must fit within 3’ x 3’ x 3’.

What is the deadline for submitting art?

All art must be submitted by September 4, 2026.

Does the actual artwork need to be submitted? Can a file be submitted instead?

Only physical original art may be submitted. We cannot accept electronic files.

Will the art be returned?

All artwork will be available for collection by the artist, parent/guardian, caseworker or CASA volunteer at the office in which the artwork was submitted to from March 1, 2026 until March 31, 2026.

Will the name of the artists be used in any way at the exhibition?

The name of the artist will be kept strictly confidential.

Contest Rules

  1. All children age 7 and older currently in the New Jersey child welfare system are eligible.

  2. Only one entry per artist.

  3. The maximum size for all artwork is 3’ x 3’.

  4. All media including 3-D are accepted.

  5. All artwork should feature or emphasize the color orange.

  6. Stories in Color submission form and artwork must be complete at time of entry.

  7. Submissions will only be accepted between March 1, 2026 and September 4, 2026

  8. Art may be submitted at Child Focus, 415 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite D2, Wayne, NJ 07470 Monday-Friday from 9:30am-4:30pm, or at Child Focus, 1143 East Jersey Street, 2nd Floor, Elizabeth Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30am-4:30pm.

  9. Late entries will not be accepted.

  10. All entries must remain with Child Focus for the duration of the contest in order to be eligible for prizes.

  11. A jury panel will judge all entries.

  12. First place will be awarded $100 in gift cards, second place will be awarded $75 in gift cards, and third place will be awarded $50 in gift cards. All runners up will be awarded $25. Winners will be notified by September 14, 2026.

  13. Selected artwork will be exhibited to the public in both Passaic and Union counties.

  14. All artwork will be available for collection by the artist, parent/guardian, caseworker or CASA volunteer at the office in which the artwork was submitted to from March 1, 2027 until March 31, 2027.

  15. By entering into the Stories in Color Art Contest, the artist and all related parties agree to be bound by contest rules.

Thank you to our Stories in Color sponsors!

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

Kirsten Boyer