October 30, 2024
MARYLAND STATE FAIRGROUNDS
2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland 21093

Events

Creative Arts Exhibition and Contest

The Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA) is proud of the creative talent present in the older adult population and always strives to find ways to highlight it. This year, BCDA would like to challenge all entrants age 50 and over to produce, either in word or artwork, their interpretation of our theme “Balance.”

Judging

All works must be original, created in 2024 and unpublished. Submissions will be judged on creativity, connection to the theme and overall appeal. Professional judges will determine the best in each category and the attendees will select a popular vote winner.

Exhibition, Reception and Awards Presentation

The top finalists in all art and writing categories will be on display in the South Hall of the Expo from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30.

The top three winners in each writing category will be published in the “Time of Your Life Digest.”

All entrants are welcome to join us for the awards presentation on Wednesday, October 30.

How to Submit Your Entry

Entries must be emailed to powerofageexpo@baltimorecountymd.gov by September 13, by 11:59 p.m. Note either “art” or “writing” contest in the subject line. Do not place name on submissions. Please include the following information on a separate cover page or in the body of your email:

  • Category
  • Title of piece
  • Name
  • Address
  • Senior center affiliation (if applicable)
  • Age (must be 50 or older)

If you need assistance submitting your entry electronically, visit your local Senior Center or call 410-887-2002.

Guidelines For Writers

Must submit single-spaced, typed manuscript using size 14 Times Roman font. No PDF submissions; Microsoft Word documents only.

Categories

  1. Informal Essays—Limit of three entries per person. Each essay must be 1,000 words or less.
  2. Poetry—No limit on entries but total word count of all poems must be 500 words or less. May be free form.

Guidelines For Artists

  • Only photos of artwork must be submitted for entry. JPG with 3,000 pixels on the longest side and a maximum of 2 MB. No zipped or web-based files accepted. Limited to two total via digital image.
  • As an entrant, you are verifying that you are willing to display your art at the Power of Age Expo on Wednesday, October 30, if chosen as a finalist.
  • Artwork will need to be dropped off Tuesday, October 29, between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Artwork can be picked up after the awards ceremony on Wednesday, October 30, or on Thursday, October 31, between 9 a.m. and noon from the Fairgrounds.
  • Size limitations of two feet by two feet on all entries unless otherwise noted below.
  • All photography, paintings and drawings must be matted, no picture frames or glass accepted.

Categories

  1. Drawing— Graphite, pastels
  2. Fabric Arts— Quilting, sewing
  3. Hand Crafts— Carving, jewelry, sculpture, stained glass
  4. Yarn Arts— Crochet/knit/loom
  5. Painting— Oils, acrylics
  6. Painting— Watercolor
  7. Photography— Color, black and white

Volunteer with RSVP Today for a Brighter Tomorrow

Be sure to stop by the RSVP Volunteer Fair, located in the South Hall. This will be your opportunity to meet with nonprofit and government entities seeking motivated volunteers to join their teams. Learn about the ways you can transport lifesaving donations of blood, deliver food and other goods to food insecure seniors, share the comfort of your pet with those who are lonely and more!

RSVP, more formally known as the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, is one of the nation’s largest volunteer networks that links individuals ages 55 and over with meaningful opportunities to serve. RSVP volunteers invest in strengthening their communities, while also forging new relationships and feeling a sense of personal satisfaction. Volunteers have the flexibility of choosing where, when and how they want to serve.

Making a difference and building a brighter tomorrow starts with you! Let RSVP connect you with a fulfilling volunteer experience today! Stop by the volunteer fair to meet with RSVP agency partners in Baltimore County. For more information, call 410-887-3101 or email volunteers@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Participating organizations:

  • Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Maryland
  • Baltimore County Department of Aging Home Team Program
  • Baltimore County Department of Aging Volunteer Center
  • CASA of Baltimore