Take part in the Library’s MLK Day Weekend Celebration by submitting an original piece of visual artwork, inspired by the values of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Submissions are due by 8 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025. 

Who Can Enter 

This contest is open to all Farmington Community Library cardholders! Anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Farmington or Farmington Hills is eligible for an FCL card. Learn how to apply for an FCL card here. Non FCL cardholders are not eligible to participate. 

2025 Contest Theme: UNITY 

Your submission should follow this year’s theme of UNITY, inspired by the words of MLK In his July 1961 speech, The American Dream, delivered at Syracuse University: 

“We must learn to live together.” 

Prizes 

1st and 2nd place winners in each age group will win a gift certificate to use on any classes or workshops offered through the City of Farmington Hills Special Services. 

  • 1st Place: $50 

  • 2nd Place: $25 

Prizes are generously sponsored by the City of Farmington Hills. 

Age Groups 

  • Elementary School: Grades K-5 

  • Middle School: Grades 6-8 

  • High School: Grades 9-12 

  • Adult: Ages 18+ 

Awards Ceremony 

Winners will be announced, and prizes awarded, at a ceremony on MLK Day, January 20, 2025, at the FCL Farmington Hills location. Winning submissions will also be displayed at the Library through the month of February. 

How to Enter 

Submissions are due by 8 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. 

  1. Create Your Art 

Any visual medium is welcome, including watercolors, pastels, pencils, acrylic, crayons, paper cuttings, oil paints, sculpture, and photography. Please sign your artwork on the bottom or back to ensure there are no issues during the judging process. 

  1. Complete the Entry Form 

Print and complete the entry form at the bottom of this web page for you or your child’s age group. You will need your FCL card number. Copies of the form are also available at any Information Desk at either FCL location. 

  1. Drop off Your Artwork 

Bring your piece to the FCL Farmington Hills location (32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.) by 8 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025. Pieces for each age group will be accepted at the Children’s Information Desk (lower level). We will only accept artwork with a completed submission form. Late entries will not be accepted. 

  1. Attend the Award Ceremony 

Celebrate with us at 7:15 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025 at the FCL Farmington Hills location. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded during the ceremony.

Judging Criteria 

Artwork will be judged by community and civic leaders using the following criteria: 

  1. Theme Relevance 

    • How well does the artwork represent this year’s theme, UNITY? 

    • Does it reflect or connect to the values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? 

  1. Creativity & Personal Expression 

    • How personal and imaginative is the concept? 

    • Does the artwork show a creative interpretation of the theme? 

  1. Artistic Skill 

    • Does the piece demonstrate technical skill in its chosen medium? 

    • How clear is the concept of the piece to the viewer? 

Theme relevance and personal expression are weighted more heavily, as they are the most central to this contest’s goals. 

Entry Forms

Download the Student Entry Form 

Download the Adults 18+ Entry Form 

Questions?

If you have any further questions about the competition, please reach out to Kristel Sexton, kristel.sexton@farmlib.org.

Acknowledgements

The annual MLK Day Art Contest was originally started in 2023 in partnership with the Community Equity Organization to inspire creativity and action by community members around the values of MLK.