In the spring of 2020 the Val Verde Unified School District initiated a Student Quarantine Art Contest, inspired by the Getty Challenge. Students were asked to select a piece of artwork from Google Arts and Culture and re-create it. Students were encouraged to use household items, pets, and family members to generate an original and unique re-creation. Finally, after photographing their creation, both the original and remake were featured side by side.

It is no secret that quarantine school closures have been difficult on students socially and emotionally. During a time when students are spending excess time in front of computer screens, this low-tech creative opportunity perfectly aligned with the healthy quarantine routine promoted by the school district. Further, encouraging students to make this a family activity turned more screens off and provided meaningful enrichment to our student clientele.

Twenty-one submissions were received districtwide, spanning all grade levels. Re-creations overwhelmingly showed careful thought and consideration into planning something unique and original. Scoring was determined by how closely there was a resemblance to the original artwork, as well as creative use of items, people, and pets. A winning submission was chosen from the following grade level categories: PreK–2nd grade, 3rd–5th grade, 6th–8th grade, and 9th–12th grade. In addition, one selection (by Kindergartener Emilio Anaya) that received a perfect score was awarded the “Judge’s Pick”; his creation is featured below. Winners received a “studio in a box” kit to encourage future art making, which was delivered to their front door.  

Seeing our youth generate incredible artwork during challenging times received so much positive feedback on social media! Allyson Huntsman, Visual and Performing Arts Teacher on Special Assignment for the Val Verde Unified School District is working with the Visual Arts team to develop a Quarantine Art Challenge 2.0, aimed for December 2020. 

To view all submissions, visit this photo album. To view the contest winners, view this flyer.

Amplifying the Arts, Volume 6

Amplifying the Arts, Volume 1

Innovative approaches for equitable and exciting opportunities in the visual and performing arts for students during school closures from Riverside County Arts leads.

Amplifying the Arts, Volume 2

Meridy Volz's "Art with Heart" program at Indio Juvenile Hall was an instant success, and she was determined to continue teaching even as COVID-19 prevented her from entering the facility.

Amplifying the Arts, Volume 3

The Our Town Cultural Arts Program brings the cultural arts into elementary school classrooms in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, engaging students in the traditions and cultures of the citizens who make up our community and the students who sit in our classrooms.

Amplifying the Arts, Volume 4

Lady Lead (LL) was founded 5 years ago, by Louisa Higgins, Administrator, Visual and Performing Arts, and Sarah Scheideman, Artist from Palm Springs Unified School District as a way for middle school girls of promise to interact with female art mentors while doing an arts & crafts project.

Amplifying the Arts, Volume 5

Riverside Unified School District’s performing arts students join in a partnership project with the community