2025 Novel Expressions Art Contest

Turn words into art

Awards
The results are in! Scroll down to see this year's winners, who were announced at our gala on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center. Thanks to all who participated in our contest!

Submissions
Local teen and adult artists were invited to enter their work for a chance to win a cash prize. The submission period closed  Tuesday, Sept. 30. Finalists were notified Friday, Oct. 10.

This contest is presented by Loudoun County Public Library, Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) and the Loudoun Youth Advisory Council.

Middle School

First place: Ivy Sheng
Ithaka in Ruin

Second place: Vesper Howlett
Serafina’s Golden Heart

Third place: Melody Zhu
Charlottes Memories

High School

First place: Reagan Schroy
The Blossom Keepers

Second place: Leah Ko
All Flowers in Time Bend Towards the Sun

Third place: Saanjana Akunuri
Entry to Valhalla

Adult

First place: Maren Magyar
Astrid

Second place: Patricia Eprem
Trapped in Wonderland

Third place: Allison Erdelyi
East of the Sun and West of the Moon

View the artwork on YouTube

• Finalists
• All entries

Theme

Create an original work of art inspired by a specific piece of literature. This can be a novel, short story, poem, song lyrics or any other literary work. The literary connection is required and will be a major part of judging.

Submission Requirements

• Artists may submit one piece of artwork.
• All artistic mediums are accepted.
• The piece must be your own creation — no copies, reproductions or AI-assisted work.
• Entries that have won a monetary award in any other contest are ineligible.
• Include the title and author of the literary work that inspired your piece.
• Artists must live in Loudoun County or any of the following districts:
  • Cities of Falls Church, Alexandria, Winchester or the District of Columbia
  • Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Prince William, Clarke or Frederick counties in Virginia
  • Montgomery, Washington, Prince George's, Frederick or Charles counties in Maryland
  • Jefferson County in West Virginia

Questions

Email artcontest@library.loudoun.gov with any questions about the contest.  The submission link will be available beginning Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Judging

Entries are separated into three categories and judged by members of the Loudoun Youth Advisory Council, PRCS staff, LCPL librarians and local professional artists:

• Middle School (Grades 6-8)
• High School (Grades 9-12)
• Adults (Ages 18+)

Judging will take into account the following:

• Connection to literature: How strongly the artwork ties into the literature it is inspired by 
• Artistic technique: Skill, quality and attention to detail
• Originality and creativity: Unique interpretation of the source material
• Overall impression: How well the work stands on its own and communicates the literary connection

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in each category:

• First place: $200 gift card
• Second place: $100 gift card 
• Third place: $50 gift card

Gala

The final round of judging will take place live during a gala reception, where attendees can view all qualifying entries digitally. The event will feature a keynote speech by internationally recognized artist Skye Young, starting at 1:45 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Art Contest Gala
Saturday, Nov. 1, 1-3 p.m.

Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center
(36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville)

• The top five entries in each age category will be invited to display their artwork for final judging.
• Finalists will be notified with drop-off instructions by Friday, Oct. 10.
• Display labels will include the title and author of the literary work that inspired each piece.