The USDF Arts Contest was designed to highlight the creativity of USDF members and the beauty of dressage, as well as allow USDF members an opportunity to express their love of the sport outside of the competition arena.
The contest is divided into two main divisions:
ART
The art division is for all fine art mediums including 3-D artwork and computer digital art, if made from personal or free license image(s). Sculpture is judged through digital photos of the piece, provided by the artist, that show 360 degree views.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The photography division includes color and black & white photos, including those that have been put through color and/or contrast correction. Any other changes to or manipulation of the photo in a photo editing program renders the submission “art” and should be submitted as such.
Both the art and photography divisions of the contest are divided into three age categories:
YOUTH – 15 and under
YOUTH – 16 to 21
ADULT
The USDF Arts Contest is open to all USDF members (including Group Members, youth, and Education), as well as both professional and amateur photographers and artists. Any work submitted, in all categories and divisions, must be an original work not previously submitted in previous years, with any mounted riders wearing headgear; a helmet, derby, or top hat.
In total, thirteen winners are chosen. First and second place in each category and division, in addition to bragging rights, have their artwork featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection and on the USDF website. All first place winners, in each category and division, including the grand prize winner, also receive a gift certificate to the USDF Online Store. The submitted piece chosen as the grand prize winner from all categories and divisions will have their artwork featured as the cover of the next year’s annual USDF Member Guide.
To submit your own artwork, access lists and images of past winners, or to submit any questions, please visit the contest page of the USDF website.
