Steeplechase Art Contest Celebrates Top Local Young Artists

Updated: Oct 19, 2018

The Steeplechase 2018 Art Contest is a little-known tradition that accompanies the race every year. For the entire month leading up to Steeplechase, race volunteers work with area schools and art departments to compile artwork for display at the Columbus Museum. The art work is then judged by local artists, and winners are honored in a reception the week before the race each year.

Many locals still haven't heard of Steeplechase's Art Contest, but it's made an enormous impact since its inception. Hundreds of children every year enter the contest, allowing Steeplechase to have a hand in both supporting and showcasing the best arts education programs across the region.

“I was completely blown away by every piece of art submitted to the contest!” stated this year's Race Director Michelle Blanchard. “We truly have lots of talented children in our community and teachers committed to helping them succeed. I was able to see firsthand the impact the Steeplechase has in raising money for the arts!”

Entries from previous years of the Steeplechase Art Contest.

Steeplechase is a 34-year tradition that is presented this year by Southern Living. Since 1985, the race has donated over $4 million dollars to arts organizations across the Chattahoochee Valley. The beneficiaries are the Columbus Museum, The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Historic Columbus, The RiverCenter, The Springer Opera House and the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation.

The Art Contest is Steeplechase's way of getting local youth involved in the organization's mission to further the arts in our region. In addition to celebrating the talented local young artists in our area, the Art Contest promotes art education in local schools and gives the students a hand in participating in the effort.

“I have always heard great things about the art contest for Steeplechase but this is the first year that I have been involved. It did not disappoint.” said Art Contest Director Turner. “The skill and talent shown by the submissions was really amazing, and this event is such a fun way to showcase all of these young local artists we have in our community."

Horace, the mascot for Steeplechase, viewing last year's Art Contest exhibit at The Columbus Museum.

In addition to one Best in Show prize, open to all categories, a first and second place in each grade division (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) are chosen. There is also one 3-dimensional first place in each category, and up to 20 honorable mentions.

The Art Show boasts some incredible prizes. Best in Show wins $300 and 2 Infield Passes to Steeplechase. Other prizes range from $25-$140 and include 2 Infield Passes to Race Day as well.

This year's Art Contest is sponsored by JBA Capital. A reception to honor each of the winners will be held on October 24th, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. at the Columbus Museum.◼︎