Since 2002, thousands of military-connected children have shared their experiences, dreams, and challenges through art.

ART IDEAS TO CONSIDER

Share global experiences, cultures, and friendships you’ve had as a military or veteran-connected child
Share what makes you proud of being a military kid
Highlight a time when you had to be brave to address or overcome a challenge
Celebrate how strong you are with the support of your family, friends, school, or your community

WHAT TO DO

Using any medium (paint, pencil, photography, performance, writing, etc.), share what being a military-connected child means to you.
Complete the Entry and Release form with an adult signature.
Send a digital copy of your art and completed form to our email: CallForTheArts@militarychild.org, or original art and form by mail to our office address (listed below).

ELIGIBILITY + SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Open to children in grades K-12
Only original work will be accepted (no copies of artwork, songs or existing video)
All submissions should be titled; if not, MCEC may title the work
Creative writing, poetry, or prose must not exceed 500 words

Winners will be selected from each category (grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12) and awarded:

One Amazon gift card:
1st Place and Spotlight winners: $100
2nd Place winners: $75
3rd Place winners: $50
An invitation to attend the MCEC Global Training Summit!
July 24-26, 2023, in Washington, DC
A social media shout-out during Month of the Military Child

Submissions will be accepted through April 6, 2023.

All submissions must be:

Send via email to CallfortheArts@MilitaryChild.org
OR
Mailed to MCEC Call for the Arts, 909 Mountain Lion Circle, Harker Heights, TX 76548

Winners will be announced on social media and the MCEC website, MilitaryChild.org on April 28, 2023 during Month of the Military Child!

The MCEC Entry and Release Form must be completed in full, signed by an adult, and attached with the submission. Both digital and physical submissions must be accompanied by a release form or will not be considered. If artwork is selected for publication, entrant may be asked to submit a photograph of themselves to be published with their work.

Download the Entry and Release Form today!

2022 Call for the Arts Winners

First Place	Second Place
Angelina F. Middletown HS \| Coast Guard (Reserves) Teagan C. 29 Palms \| USMC Colton S. Harper McCaughn \| US Navy	Ashley W. Homeschool \| USAF Trey B. Rhode Island \| Army National Guard Kourtney G. Dewar ES \| USAF

Third Place	Artist Spotlight
Icyss J.B. T. Harker Heights HS \| US Army Nicholas O. Virginia Allred Stacey Jr. Sr. HS \| USAF Giuliana F. Poland MS \| USAF Veteran	Art Club Columbus HS Addison R. Queens Lake MS \| US Army Quinn L. Wheatland ES \| USAF

2022 First Place Winner

Poem for Dad

He doesn't mean to make you frown
It's just time to pack up and move to another town
Just when you get used to things
He never means to make a sting
Don't bother unpacking that box
If you do, I give you props
Be careful if you get too comfortable
He doesn't mean to make you cry
He'll make it up, sing a lullaby
He'll send you flowers on your birthday
While mommy says he'll be home one day
For some, that day never comes
For me, I pray so I won't go numb

I get my poster, markers bright
While "welcome home," he'll soon be in my sight
I march to the airport in my camo dress
As he comes off the plane there goes my stress
I can see right through him
Like he can see through me
Although he's happy
He's got PTSD
He hugs me tight and never lets go
I say "I love you, Daddy"
He replies "Oh how you've grown"
He hands me a bear with a message inside
I hug it and cry as time passes by
His voice echoes within as I hug its furry brown skin
He knew that I'd love this, he just had to within!
As I think back to what daddy told me,
("Honor, Respect, Devotion to Duty")
I get scared when he's out at sea
"USCG" I chant all day
I sway and rock all just for play

As time goes on I know it's coming soon
That dreaded phone call, "Pack your things, we're heading out this afternoon."
Daddy leaves in a hurry, hugs me oh so tight
I know what he's doing, going out to just fight
I know he'll be back soon or so I thought
When that man came to my door I became distraught
He will not be forgotten, though gone too soon
There are no more tears, emotions become immune

As I lay in my bed I turn to face the side
I get up and scream then it's time to decide
I go to my closet, the bottom shelf to be precise
There is a little brown box, what's inside? Well that's a surprise
I rip it open with hopes that it's you
What do I see? There's no way that it could be true
Just the bear nothing else but had I forgotten
All I needed to do was push the little black button
I pushed his stomach and gulped hoping to remember
The sound of your voice I last heard in September
My head laid to rest, tears running down my face
I vowed to follow in your footsteps I wouldn't want to be a disgrace
I shut my eyes to get some sleep
I felt you tuck me in almost half asleep
"I love you, Daddy," I thought to myself
"I love you too, baby girl" his soft voice mewled

Angelina F.

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