ASMSA is accepting entries for its inaugural Science of Art photography contest. The contest is open to all 8th, 9th and 10th grade students in Arkansas. In addition to ASMSA, contest sponsors are the ASMSA Foundation, Williams Studio, and the Mid-America Science Museum
Students are invited to submit artistic photos that demonstrate some aspect of science such as physics, chemistry, life science, meteorology or earth science.
All submitted photos will be displayed at ASMSA during the May 4 Gallery Walk in Hot Springs and on the ASMSA Science of Art contest website. The winning photos will be displayed at the Mid-America Science Museum’s store in downtown Hot Springs during the month of May.
ASMSA has a unique arts program in that many of the art classes also contain a science component. The school offers a Folk Music and Acoustics class that combines music performance with the science of acoustics. In the Art and Science of Photography class, students learn black and white photography and the chemistry of film.
“Throughout history, science has influenced the art world and the arts have played an important role in the development of science,” said ASMSA Science Department Chairman Dr. Brian Monson. “This connection between disparate fields is all throughout the ASMSA curriculum, because no field of endeavor exists separate from the others.”
Entry guidelines
The photos will be judged in two categories: 1) Natural – any photo taken by the student of a phenomenon or event that is not planned by the student; 2) Contrived – demonstrations of a scientific principle initiated by the student for the purpose of photographing it.
Students should submit an 8x10 print and a high resolution JPEG of the image. In addition to the photo, each entry should include a 400-word explanation of how the photo demonstrates the chosen principle of science. Submissions will be scored equally on their artistic merit and the quality and correctness of the scientific explanation.
The official entry form may be downloaded from the Science of Art contest website. Students should print and complete the form and submit the entry as directed. Entries must be received by April 15.
First, second and third places prizes of $75, $50, and $25 gift cards will be awarded in each category. The overall winner will receive a $100 gift card. The ASMSA Foundation will provide the prizes.
For more information, contact Dr. Brian Monson at 501-622-5242 or by email at monsonb@asmsa.org.