Without a doubt, Mixed Media is one of the most interesting art categories of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. But “Mixed Media” is easy to mix up. So we wanted to share a few tips with you to keep in mind when submitting a Mixed Media work to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Many pieces of art are created using more than one medium. Sculptures, for example, may incorporate wood and metal; paintings may also include graphite or pastel; a dress may be sewn using fabric and nontraditional elements such as rubber. In the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, what counts as a Mixed Media piece is generally art made from more than one medium that includes a three-dimensional element.

Here are a few helpful tips when you’re deciding if your work should be submitted to Mixed Media or another category:

• Any three-dimensional work composed from more than one medium, but meant to be viewed from 360 degrees (from all sides), should be submitted to the Sculpture Category.
• Two-dimensional works that only include a mix of painting or drawing should be submitted to either the Painting Category or the Drawing Category, depending on which medium is dominant in the work.
• A digital collage that has been created using a computer or digital device should be submitted to the Digital Art Category.

Work submitted to the Mixed Media category can incorporate a lot of different things – handmade paper, cut paper, assemblage, collage, paint, wood, batik, fiber-based art and even hand-made books.

Still a little lost as far as what the judges might be looking for? We’ve included a few examples of 2010 Gold Medal-winning Mixed Media work for your viewing pleasure. There are quite a few innovative approaches and a mix of different pieces– which is exactly what we’re hoping to see.