2026 Spirit is Ageless Art and Writing Contest Intake Day 1

Aug 18, 2026 | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

4847 West Lawther Drive, Dallas Texas 75214 Get Directions >

All those 55 and better are invited to submit their art of all mediums to the 26th annual Spirit is Ageless Art and Writing Contest.

Visual Art Categories

Emerging Artist: Open to artists of all mediums who are entering an art contest for the very first time.
Echoes of the Masters: Art created in the style or spirit of a recognized artist, movement, or tradition.
Drawing & Illustration: Includes artwork primarily created using mediums such as charcoal, pencil, and pastel.
Group Entry: Artwork in any visual art category created collaboratively by two or more individuals.
Hard Crafts & Sculpture: Three-dimensional art created through carving, casting, modeling, or other shaping techniques. This also includes wearable art, accessories and jewelry.
Mixed Media: Artwork incorporating two or more distinct artistic mediums, collage.
Painting (Acrylic): Paintings on canvas or paper using acrylic paints.
Painting (Oil & Oil Pastel): Paintings on canvas or paper using oil paints or oil pastels.
Painting (Watercolor): Paintings on canvas or paper using watercolor paints.
Photography: Printed images captured by a traditional camera or mobile device.
Soft Crafts (Quilts & Blankets): Large quilted or blanketed textile art. Knitting and crochet.
Soft Crafts (Other): Includes items, inlduing wearable items, crafted through techniques like crocheting, knitting, cloth, weaving, tatting, needlework, embroidery, cross-stitch, and needlepoint.

Writing Categories

Submission Guidelines: All writing entries must be no more than four (4) double-spaced typed pages, using a minimum 12-point font.

Poetry & Prose: Verse writing, including but not limited to prose poetry, free verse, formal poetry, and song lyrics.
Personal Essay & Short Story: Includes short stories, novellas, and scripts.

Key Information:

Online Registration (Required): Opens Saturday, August 1, 2026 at www.ccyoung.org/events/. Register online before bringing art.
All Entries Displayed: Your submission will be part of The Spirit Is Ageless 2026 Art & Writing Contest show.
Display Commitment: Entries must remain on display from art in-take through the awards program on Friday, October 23. No early removal.

Entry Rules:

Age Requirement: Art and writing must be created at age 55+.
CC Young Residents: Up to 2 free entries.
Non-Residents: 1 free entry; $10 for 1 additional entry.
Mark Each Entry Back With: Artist’s name, phone, title, & category.
Group Entries: Include a list each participant’s name and age at creation for the Ageless Creativity award when registering.
Category Changes: CC Young may re-categorize entries.

Hanging Guidelines:

Ready to Hang: Framed/mounted art must have a saw-tooth hanger or wire (except sculpture, glass, ceramic, steel, wood, & writing).
Hanging Questions: Call 214-841-2831.
Display Selection: Determined by CC Young based on space.
Right to Refuse: CC Young may decline any entry.
No Liability: CC Young is not responsible for loss or damage.

Other Details:

Single Pieces Only: No groupings.
Previous Entries: Allowed if not a past SIA winner.
Original Work: No reproductions, unless entering “Echoes of Masters” Category
Photo Release: Entry grants permission for promotional use.
Art Pricing: Purchase inquiries forwarded to artist for direct sale.
Publicity Consent: Participation allows use of photos/videos for CC Young promotion.

Judging and Awards:

An anonymous panel of judges will determine the winners. Notifications will be sent via email on or before Friday, September 4,2026.
All participants will receive a certificate of participation and are invited to our Celebration of Artists and Writers on Friday, October 23 at 2:00 PM.
Awards Presented:
- 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place in each category (non-cash).
- Special Recognition: Best in Show Art (CC Young Resident)
- Best in Show Writing (CC Young Resident)
- Best in Show Art (Dallas/Ft. Worth Community Member)
- Best in Show Writing (Dallas/Ft. Worth Community Member)
- Celebrating Ageless Creativity Award (Most Senior Participant)
- People’s Choice Awards ( 1 for Art & 1 for Writing)

Art Pickup:

At the Celebration: Attendees can take their artwork at the conclusion of the awards program on Friday, October 23, 2026.
General Pickup: Monday, October 26 – Thursday, October 29, 2026.
- Between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM daily.
Donation: Artwork not retrieved by the deadline may be considered a donation to CC Young (a non-profit), and the artist will be acknowledged.

Directions to The Point at CC Young

Address: 4847 West Lawther Drive Dallas, TX 75214
Location on Campus: See campus map for The Point.
Driving Instructions:
From I-75 Central Expressway, follow signs for Northwest Highway/TX-12 Loop East. Travel east for about 2.5 miles and turn right onto West Lawther Drive. Our main entrance is on the right, marked by a white guard shack and CC Young signage. Proceed up the driveway to The Point.