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GATE:Ways of Expression
The stories of students and young people can have a profound impact across the state of Washington, from the classrooms and communities to the state legislature.
Your stories need to be heard.
Graduation: A Team Effort (GATE) is a state initiative working to better serve the youth of Washington by aligning dropout prevention, intervention, and reengagement efforts in our state. We’re looking for teen artists to publish on the GATE website to broadcast the youth voice of Washington. Share your story and compete with teens from around the state to become one of the GATE:Ways of Expression Artists of the Month!
Every month, there is a new theme for the contest. Delve deeper into the themes to consider how the themes have affected your life and your community.
What’s in it for you?
- A chance to share your story and art with other youth, parents, school staff and policy makers.
- Awards and accolades to add to your portfolio and resume.
- Art, student advocacy, and statewide impact.
Step 1: Read the Guidelines
Step 2: Review the Monthly Themes
Step 3: Make Art!
Step 4: Submit Your Art
Show us what you got, but stay true to yourself and others. Your work must be original.
Baseline Eligibility:
- Age 13-21
- An email address
- Willingness to have your art on display (see the submission policy for more details)
Art can be of any medium and style.
For Drawings, Printmaking, Paintings, Photos, Mixed Media, etc.
- Submit photo of your piece. Images should be 300 dpi, in JPEG format (do not mail original artwork unless requested by the GATE:Ways of Expression judges’ committee).
Name your file: “theme_lastname_firstname” (example: Hope_Jackson_Michael)
- Include an artists’ statement of no more than 150 words that showcases you as the artist, the meaning of your piece, and how it relates to the theme.
- Name your file: “theme_lastname_firstname” (example: Hope_Jackson_Michael)
- Include an artists’ statement of no more than 150 words that showcases you as the artist, the meaning of your piece, and how it relates to the theme.
PLEASE NOTE: If selected, images of individual faces will require a completed consent form from the person pictured, or their parents, if the person is under the age of 18.
- Submit your work in .pdf format
- Name your file: “theme_lastname_firstname” (example: Hope_Jackson_Michael)
- Limit the piece to 1000 words or less
- Include an artists’ statement of no more than 150 words that showcases you as the artist, the meaning of your piece, and how it relates to the theme.
Having trouble fitting your art into these guidelines? Send an email to GATE@k12.wa.us before submitting.
What will the GATE:Ways of Expression judging committee be looking for?
- Connection to the theme.
- Originality and creativity.
- Handling of media.
- Depth of concept.
- Overall effectiveness of work as an artistic piece.
- Expressiveness and personality.
It is something we may take for granted… an adult in our lives that cares about us. Think about it... Do you have someone you turn to when you need help with school? Is there someone in your life you can talk to about personal issues? What was life like before your “mentor” came into your life, and how did it change because of them? January is national mentoring month. Take the time to share your story and thank your mentor.
We all come from somewhere, and this month is the time to be proud of our family heritage. America is a melting pot with a wealth of culture and history. Where is your family from? What about your family’s culture makes you unique? What is your favorite tradition? What about stories your family has shared with you about the good ol’ days? What do you want to learn about your heritage or culture?
Hope can be defined as, “the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.” Do you have hope for today? What about tomorrow… do you have goals and a plan for the future? What in your life brings you hope?
For many people, community is a sense of cohesiveness among a group of people. For generations, an individual’s community served as a support system. With society moving at a faster and more detached manner due to technology and busy schedules, it makes it harder and harder to feel any sense of community. Who do you consider your “community?” What keeps you connected to your community? What are the costs you pay for not having a strong sense of community?
Each May, National Foster Care Month provides an opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of children and youth in the foster care system. Do you have a story to share? What are your biggest struggles? How do they impact your ability to reach your goals? What makes a difference in your life? Do you have a special someone that supports you?
Research clearly links the impact of a healthy lifestyle with success, both in school and in life. Do you have examples of how healthy living is having a positive impact on your life? What about the opposite?... How is an unhealthy lifestyle keeping you from where you want to go? What would help you be healthier?
We all speak different languages and have different traditions, customs and backgrounds. This month let’s celebrate diversity! And let’s celebrate our shared emotions and experiences. What is it that connects you to the world? How can we build a better world and a better future? Can we see a place of hope, growth and understanding?
Sitting by a river, where it's quiet and peaceful, there's nothing to distract you, nothing else to think about - just your life, the struggles, how far you’ve come, and how grateful you are. Do you have an opportunity to experience nature? What role does it play in your life? Many youth today lack exposure to nature. Are you in a place where access to outdoor settings and parks is limited? What do you see as the costs associated with not getting out into nature?
Elections—they are upon us every year. What issues do you think are most important? Are there any issues you think politicians should be addressing, but aren’t? Are the needs and perspectives of youth visible?
Bullying….major issue or overrated? There has been growing concern about how youth treat each other. How
do you feel about bullying? Is it getting worse or better given the hype? How
do you think it affects students and schools? What you have done to prevent bullying, or what others can do to prevent bullying?
November is national runaway and homeless youth awareness month. Homeless youth typically can’t be identified by sight. They dress like their peers, act like their peers, hang out with their peers, even continue to attend school with their peers. However, unlike their peers, at the end of the day they may not know where they are going to sleep, or where their next meal will come from. Has being homeless been an issue for you or someone you know? What is the biggest challenge homeless youth face? What provides the biggest support?
No matter what holiday you’re celebrating, this is a season when you can show your compassion. It’s also a time to reflect on the past year and give thanks to those who have touched your life. Who or what are you truly thankful for? What’s the greatest gift you could give someone? What does it mean to show compassion toward others? Have you witnessed an act of kindness that inspired you? Are there situations where society isn’t showing or giving enough compassion?
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