Concurrent with Lantern Peace Festival in the Building A Culture of Peace Month 2026
Building A Culture of Peace is to connect people and communities and to make harmony among diverse cultures.
This initiative, Calgary International Contest for Young Artists, makes Calgary a hub to connect young artists in the world and foster them as the creative future leaders.
Young artists are asked to bring your creativity into being based on the theme “My Harmony” following the rules and conditions stipulated below.
Theme: “My Harmony”
“Harmony” is another word of “Unity” and “Peace.” You can take it as a harmony within you, or a harmony with your family, friends, communities, and/or nations. Also, you can take it as “harmony with our environment or the planet,” or even “harmony with the universe”!
You can find harmony and peace in someone’s smile or a little flower blooming under the debris.
Show us your unlimited imagination inspired by the word, “Harmony.”
Submission guidelines
Submission Eligibility:
Open to all young artists both international and Canadian who are in either one of the following age-categories.
(1) Junior Category: Ages 10 to 14 (as of August 8, 2026)
(2) Senior Category: Ages 15 to 18 (as of August 8, 2026)
Dr. Arthur Clark Scholarship Awards
Prizes will be awarded to three finalists in each category:
· 1st Prize: $500 CAD
· 2nd Prize: $300 CAD
· 3rd Prize: $100 CAD
No entry fee is required
Artwork Specifications:
– Format: 2-dimensional paper
– Size: Any size
– Medium: Any medium
– Originality: The work must be the applicant’s original creation. AI-generated or digitally created artwork is not accepted.
– Signature: Please ensure your signature is visible on the artwork.
Submission process
Please submit the following items digitally on or before May 31, 2026 at floatinglanternpeace@gmail.com.
(1) Artwork digital file: A high-quality photo or scanned image of your art (JPEG, 5 MB to 10 MB) Suggestion: when photographing your artwork, preferably use bright, indirect natural light (like on a cloudy day or near a window) to avoid harsh glares. Make sure the photographer’s shadow doesn’t appear in the photo.
(2) Portrait Photo: A photo of you holding your artwork (JPEG, 5 MB or less)
(3) Application Form: Complete THIS FORM including a brief description of your work (50 words or less). If this Google Form does not work for you, please contact us by email. We will send you an alternative form.
Selection & Notification
Award winners will be notified via email by July 31, 2026.
Winners must provide valid bank information to receive their scholarship funds. Specific details regarding the payment will be sent following the award announcement.
Email address for your question and submission:
floatinglanternpeace@gmail.com
Judges
Chief Judge: Dr. Jennifer Eiserman
Ms. Louise Hall
Mr. Peter Potapoff
Department of Art and Art History, University of Calgary
My research interests centre around the role that community-based arts can play in the development and maintenance of communities. This work includes inquiries into cultural diversity and inclusivity, urban development and decolonization of the institutions art, including formal and informal curricula and the functions of art museums and galleries. My current focus is the developmental needs of professional artists in late adulthood. The goal of this research is create a rich description of the emotional, social, cognitive and physical needs of artists in late adulthood in order to support these artists’ continued engagement in creative production. https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/jennifer-eiserman
Born in the mountains of central BC, Louise is now a long-time Calgary resident. She has always enjoyed the creative process, and in 1993 she fulfilled a life-long dream to begin painting in watercolor. After 24 wonderful years as the owner of Leading Edge Art Workshops she has now retired. Owning Leading Edge allowed her to study with many internationally known artists and instructors. An avid photographer, Louise uses her large collection of photos as reference material for her work.
Pattern, color and texture are important focuses in her work and she likes to work with acrylic, collage, and mixed media. She paints a wide variety of subject matter, including abstracts, florals and landscape. She lives in Calgary with her husband Andy.
Louise is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, is a member of the Calgary Sketch Club and is a co-founder and president of the Passionate Painters Art Group. See her work on her website at www.louisehallart.com
Peter Potapoff is a highly acclaimed contemporary realist painter celebrated for his extraordinary ability to capture the essence of the Canadian landscape. Drawing from a lifetime of personal experience and observation, Potapoff transforms his profound connection to nature into evocative artwork defined by meticulous detail, masterful composition, and a stunning use of color. Each brushstroke radiates depth, transporting viewers into tranquil lakeside scenes or rugged mountain ranges that evoke deep emotional responses. His visionary talent has earned international recognition and several prestigious awards. Notably, Potapoff has won both provincial and national competitions for his esteemed wildlife paintings. His accolades include being named National Artist of the Year by Ducks Unlimited Canada and Artist of the Year by the BC Wildlife Federation. Additionally, his work has been featured on the Ducks Unlimited Canada Stamp and Print series. Prized by collectors worldwide, Potapoff’s work remains a testament to his passion for the natural beauty of the Canadian wilderness.https://www.peterpotapoff.com/
2026 Calgary International Contest for Young Artists Sponsors
Ploughshares Calgary Society
