Enter the 2022 Annual Conflict Resolution Day
Bookmark Art Contest

In observance of National Conflict Resolution Day on October 20, 2022, the Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) is seeking entries for the 17th annual Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest. The contest is open to all Maryland students in kindergarten through eighth grade.  

2021 Bookmark Contestant More than 2,200 entries received for the 2021 contest.

The top entries will be displayed at the Maryland Judicial Center (MJC) in Annapolis. Winning students, their families, and teachers will be invited to the awards ceremony and reception on Dec. 5, 2022, at the MJC, where Chief Judge Matthew J. Fader, Court of Appeals of Maryland, will present the awards.

Grade levels and judging criteria: Art will be judged in three categories: kindergarten through second grade; third through fifth grade; and sixth through eighth grade. Students who are homeschooled are welcome to participate. Submissions will be judged on artistry, creativity, and message.

Prizes: The following prizes will be awarded for each category:

  • 1st place: Winner will receive $100.
  • 2nd place: Winner will receive $75.
  • 3rd place: Winner will receive $50.
Watch a Video
Watch this short video showcasing a Scotchtown Hills Elementary class’s experience with the contest as described by Renee Cort-Sutton, a school counselor.
Watch a short video on the bookmark contest

Several winning entries will be printed as bookmarks and used to promote conflict resolution across Maryland. Winners whose bookmarks are selected for printing will receive copies of their own printed entry.

To Enter: Submit original artwork using the template provided (see link below) or submit your artwork on plain white paper. The finished image size must be no larger than 2.75 inches high by 7.5 inches wide. Please be sure to label your artwork clearly providing all of the information on the template, or the back of the entry if the template is not used. The label should include: the student’s name, age, grade, and county; school or program name, if appropriate; teacher’s or parent’s name; an email address; and a mailing address where the entry can be returned after the contest is complete. Please do not fold entries.

Download this template: Word (.docx).

Theme: Subject matter should reflect a conflict resolution or prevention theme, such as peer mediation, talking things out, apologizing, respecting differences, solving problems together, listening, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, peace building, and alternatives to violence. To see images of past winners, visit: mdcourts.gov/macro/eventsconflictresolutiondayarchive.

Deadline: All submissions must be received by Thursday, October 20, 2022.

Artwork may be mailed or hand-delivered to:
Cheryl Jackson
Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO)
Administrative Office of the Courts
187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401

Please email Cheryl Jackson at [email protected]  or call 410-260-3540 with any questions. 

By submitting a bookmark entry in this contest, you give the Judiciary permission to use the artwork in any future public awareness materials promoting conflict resolution.