From Classroom to Cosmos: Kids and educators invited to enter second annual International Space Art and Poetry Contest for chance to see their creations in space

For the second year, astronaut and contest visionary John Shoffner invites students and educators from across the world to submit a drawing, painting or written poetry in the International Space Art and Poetry Contest.

About the International Space Art and Poetry Contest

Participants from around the globe will have the chance to showcase vivid color and curiosity as they take us on a journey into space as they envision it.

Eight category representatives will receive special recognition from the International Space Station (ISS) in addition to receiving physical prints of their creation sent down from space.

Entries will be categorized by age division (5-8, 9-13, 14-18, and a newly added educator category), as well as by genre (visual art and poetry).

Judges

Submissions will be scored by an esteemed panel of judges including:

• NASA Icon and Axiom Space Director of Human Space Flight Peggy Whitson, who holds more time in space than any American or woman in history
• STEAM advocate, contest visionary and Axiom Mission (Ax-2) Pilot John Shoffner
• Executive Director of Limitless Space Institute, Kaci Heins
• Visual Artist, poet and published author, Monique Lorden

Show your creativity

The contest is hosted by The Perseid Foundation in collaboration with Crayola Experience, Limitless Space Institute, International Space Station National Lab and Axiom Space.

The inaugural International Space Art and Poetry Contest received more than 930 entries from 26 countries including the U.S., Colombia, Ghana, Ireland, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and more.

Surrounded by floating colorful artwork and written creations inside the Cupola, Shoffner announced the category representatives during the Ax-2 mission last May.

“Your creativity has inspired my perspective on space in ways I never imagined,” said Shoffner from the ISS.

“Your big ideas, bright colors, and thoughtful words have served as a gentle reminder to hold onto that wide-eyed curiosity that often escapes us over time.”

International Space Art and Poetry Contest Submissions

Submissions for the 2024 International Space Art and Poetry Contest open on February 5 and close on April 5. Selected category representatives will receive prints of their creations sent down from space, gift packages provided by Crayola Experience, and more.

For contest submissions and more information, visit: www.spaceartcontest.com