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2025 Otero Arts Festival Call For Entries
Description: Otero College Announces 69th Annual Otero Arts Festival April 1 - 3, 2025...
2025 Otero Arts Festival Call For Entries
LA JUNTA, CO – Otero College is excited to announce the return of the 69th Annual Otero Arts Festival, the longest-running college-sponsored event for students in grades 7-12. This beloved tradition will showcase the artistic talents of young creatives across southeast Colorado in the categories of Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Music, and Theatrical Performance.
The festival will take place from Tuesday, April 1, through Thursday, April 3, 2025, with public viewing of visual arts and creative writing exhibits in the Rizzuto Banquet Room at the Otero College Student Center, with the Music and Theatre competitions happening on Monday, March 31st. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for ribbons at each level, and top senior (12th grade) competitors in each category will be awarded Otero College scholarships.
The Otero Arts Festival provides a platform for middle and high school students to bring their imagination to life through writing, visual arts, music, and theater. Participation is open to all students, regardless of whether they are currently enrolled in art, band, choir, or drama classes at their schools. Students may enter all contests independently.
This year marks a transition in leadership, as longtime festival coordinator Debbie Phillips has officially retired, passing the torch to Malorie McNames. As a former participant in the festival herself, McNames is eager to continue the tradition.
"I remember being a student in the Arts Festival, and now, years later, I have the privilege of organizing it and keeping the tradition alive for our youth. It’s incredible how life comes full circle. Each year, we see an impressive variety of entries from talented students, and I can’t wait to see what this year brings," said McNames.
Competition Categories & Key Deadlines
- Creative Writing
- Submission Deadline: Monday, March 3, 2025
- Categories: Poetry, Essay, Short Story (Grades 7-12)
- Creative Book Contest (Grades 9-12)
- Senior Writing Portfolios compete for the Creative Writing Scholarship
- All entries must be submitted with a completed entry form, available on the festival website.
- Submit via mail: Otero Arts Festival Creative Writing, 1802 Colorado Avenue, La Junta, CO 81050 or in person at Macdonald Hall, Room 110 by 5 p.m. on March 3.
- Visual Arts
- Entry Submission & Hanging: Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 1-5 p.m. (Rizzuto Banquet Room)
- Students (Grades 7-12) may enter up to six works in various mediums.
- Senior Visual Arts Portfolios compete for scholarships.
- Online registration deadline: Friday, March 14, 2025.
- Theatrical Competition
- Online Registration Deadline: Monday, March 17, 2025
- Categories: Monologue and Group Short Scenes
- Competition Date: Monday, March 31, 2025, at 6 p.m. (Ed Stafford Theatre)
- The top senior performer (12th grade) will be awarded an Otero College Scholarship.
- Music Competition (Instrumental & Vocal)
- Online Registration Deadline: Monday, March 17, 2025
- Categories:
- Instrumental Solo & Ensembles (3-5 members)
- Vocal Solo & Ensembles (3-5 members)
- Competition Date: Monday, March 31, 2025, at 9 a.m. (Ed Stafford Theatre)
How to Register
Online registration is now open. Students must submit a separate registration form for each category they wish to enter. All forms, contest rules, and event details are available on the Otero Arts Festival website.
For complete guidelines and information, visit Otero Arts Festival - Otero College, or email Otero-ArtsFestival@otero.edu with any questions.
