Enter the 2023 Annual Conflict Resolution Day
Bookmark Art Contest

For the 18th year and in observance of National Conflict Resolution Day on Thursday, October 19, 2023, the Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) is seeking entries for the annual Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest. The contest is open to all Maryland students in kindergarten through eighth grade.  

2022 Bookmark Contestant Student art on display at the Maryland Judicial Center.

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 Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the MJC, where Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader, Supreme Court 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.

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

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.

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 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 the information on the template and do not trim your artwork to size, if the template is not used. The label should include: the student’s name, age, and grade; 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 or cut your artwork to size.

Download this template: 2023 Bookmark Template (.docx).

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

Deadline: All entries must be postmarked by Thursday, October 19, 2023.

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.