About the Open Call

The Delaplaine Arts Center announces the 2026 Elizabeth Barker Delaplaine Award for Young Artists. Named in honor of Bettie Delaplaine, a lifelong supporter of the arts, the program coincides with Youth Art Month. The call is open to all media and the selection process involves two rounds of jurying. Selected winners will be part of a group exhibition, and a Grand Prize winner will be chosen from the finalists. Criteria include originality, composition, success in communication, and creativity. The Grand Prize winner will be featured in the Delaplaine Arts magazine.

What is Offered

Grand Prize of $1,000; at least 10 finalist winners receive $100 each; People's Choice Award of $250; exhibition opportunity at the Delaplaine Arts Center; feature article in Delaplaine Arts magazine for the Grand Prize winner.

Requirements

Applicants must be in grades 9–12 (public, private, or homeschooled) in Frederick County, MD. Work must be original, created within the past two years, and not previously shown at the Delaplaine. Maximum size is 5 feet in any direction. All works for the exhibition must be properly prepared for installation with professional wiring (no sawtooth hangers).

How to Apply

Artists must apply through the CaFÉ website, submitting one high-resolution work sample and providing personal and school-related information, including an artist statement and teacher contact details.