21st Annual Conflict Resolution Day
Bookmark Art Contest

The Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) observes Conflict Resolution Day, the third Thursday in October each year, by hosting a bookmark design contest for Maryland students in grades K-8. The contest provides teachers, parents, and students the opportunity to learn about and share important conflict resolution skills, such as listening; working together to solve problems; talking to each other instead of fighting; being inclusive; and appreciating and respecting differences. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to use their artistic skills to illustrate their own creative ideas.

The contest includes three age groups: kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grade, and sixth through eighth grade. Entries are judged on both artistic merit and their peaceful conflict resolution messages. The contest has grown since it began in 2005 with fewer than 40 entries, to more than 4,000 submissions from students across Maryland in a single cycle.

See the 2018 video featuring a Scotchtown Hills Elementary class as they prepare their contest entries.

Interested in participating?
MACRO encourages schools, families, and youth community organizations to participate. This year’s entry deadline is October 15, 2026. If you would like to learn more about the contest or be placed on our list to receive our annual email notices, please send your contact information to [email protected].

A limited number of printed bookmarks are available to schools, libraries, and other organizations throughout the state. If you would like copies to distribute in your community, through your organization, school, or at your workplace, please make your request at [email protected]. Copies are available while supplies last.

See past contest winners.