Kids Block - Fall 2023
Kids Block is a hands-on interactive block for young artists that features arts-focused activities and take-away projects by community partners, a youth exhibition featuring over 450 student works from around the Valley – on display and for sale, and a Young Collectors gallery where children can select and purchase their very own piece of art from one of our professional artists at the festival.
Young Artist Exhibition + Competition
The Tempe Festival of the Arts is proud to showcase the spectacular array of K-12 art. Each festival we receive hundreds of pieces of artwork created by talented valley youth who are interested in having their work displayed for a chance to win a cash prize, and for the opportunity to sell their work (please refer to each nameplate to identify which pieces are for sale). You can visit the exhibition near Kids Block, Friday - Sunday at the festival. View the Spring 2023 Award Winners
Applications are open for the Fall 2023 Young Artist Exhibition + Competition!
The Young Artist Exhibition + Competition allows young artists to display and sell their work to 150,000+ festival attendees and possibly be recognized as Best of Show- receiving a cash prize!
Entry is FREE and EASY
Step 1: Complete your Intent to Submit (deadline is October 3, 2023)
Step 2: Fill out the Young Artist Permission Slip. Student consent is digital now! Parents will be emailed a secure link after October 2nd, to an online form and signature page using the email submitted in the intent to submit form. This digital permission form should be completed before drop off.
Step 3: Deliver art Monday October 16th, 2023 between 2PM – 7PM or by appointment prior to October 20th.
Kids Activities & Activations:
A full list of activities is coming soon. Kids activities generally include:
- Be... An Artist Studio - a tiny home painting studio.
- City of Tempe Arts and Culture - make and take craft.
- Educating Children Outdoors - nature craft.
- Puppet Pie - puppet making and popsicle fairy
- Upcycled City - build a city out of recyclables.
Family Features:
- Parent's Lounge: Sponsored by Tempe Birth Center - privacy for nursing, changing, an refresh area.
- Tables and chairs for taking a breather while the kiddos play
Young Collectors Gallery
Appreciation for art starts at a young age. For just $5 your child can begin their art collecting journey by purchasing their very own piece of art handcrafted by one of the professional artists vending at the festival. Each year, our juried artists have the option to donate a piece to the gallery, offering children the chance to purchase and bring home their very own piece. We encourage young collectors to shop on their own, learning freedom in what they like. Volunteers will be in place to assist your child while they browse and purchase. The Young Collectors section will be open Saturday and Sunday of the festival.