Every few weeks of the year, I have run an Art Challenge with the students of Parliament Oak Elementary School. It is completely voluntary, and is not connected with their schoolwork. The entries are judged by myself and an impartial (and often different) person. Prizes are awarded, and some of the Challenges have sparked some great ideas and enthusiasm! (for the project AND for the prizes) Here is a recap of the Challenges we did:
Art Challenge #1: Draw a picture of a form of transportation you would use to get to school.
Winner: Samuel
Art Challenge #2: Winter Twinchies!
Winners: Kaylee and Aila
Art Challenge #3: No Such Thing
There is a great author and illustrator that my teacher librarian mom introduced me to: Bill Peet. I used his book ‘No Such Thing” for this Challenge. I made written copies of the descriptions of the creatures, but did not make the illustrations available. What would a blue-snouted Thwump look like? Or how about the pie-faced Pazeeks?
Winner: Julia
and another entry:
Art Challenge #4: Make Something Using 4 Toilet Paper Rolls
(and whatever else you can find)
Winner: Jay
2nd Place: Ava
3rd Place: Maggie
Art Challenge #5: Design a Playground
Winner: Paige
Other Entries:
Art Challenge #6: Make a Repeating Pattern Using One Geometric Shape
Winner: Machara
other entries:
Art Challenge # 7: Make Your Own “We Heart Art” Sign for the Art Room
Winner: Aila
2nd Prize: Beth
3rd Prize: Isabel 
Honourable Mentions: Emilie, and Nick & Hunter
Other Entries:
As you can see this was a very popular Challenge. Thanks to everyone who participated. The Art Room looks just great!
Art Challenge #8: Draw & Write a Postcard to Someone Out of Town
I provided the blank cards, with instructions to get their parents to help address the cards. I would provide the stamps, and mail them (which I did, from Victoria). The art goes out.
Winner: Samuel
Other Entries:
Art Challenge # 9: Create a Cut Paper Design in Black & White
Winner: Layla
Other Entries:
Art Challenge #10: Draw Your Pet
Whoah! This one really caught their attention – I received a deluge of entries. So, we awarded three levels of prizes, and everybody who entered got a giant bubble wand to begin their summer with!
Primary Winner: Benjamin
Junior Winner: Flo
Intermediate Winner: Emilie
Other Entries:
That’s it. See you next year for another whole whack of fun – I mean, Art Challenges!