April Art Contest Theme: Power and Leadership

Grab your paints, pencils, and paper and turn up your creativity! We're looking for teen girls to share their artistic skills with Teen Voices! Compete with artists around the world to become one of 12 Artists of the Month semi-finalists. Then go head-to-head for the title of Teen Voices Artist of the Year! Amplify your creative voice by submitting your art for each month's theme.

Power is such a complex word. We hear it all the time, but what is power, really? Where does it come from? How do you get it? What does power look like? How does the "in" crowd at your school gain power and how do they use it? What about those who feel powerless? Is power the leaders, politicians, or our nations? Or is power lay in the hands of the people? What if people everywhere used their power only for good, instead of bad?

May: Sports

The 2012 Summer Olympics are just around the corner and the 40th anniversary of Title IX (which prohibits gender discrimination in sports) is this June. We're looking for art that celebrates the trials, tribulations, dedication, perseverance, and excitement of athletes. What physical activities do you enjoy? Which players or teams do you support? How has Title IX impacted and influenced sport over the past 40 years? How do you define "sport?" Is it the act of competing or just breaking a sweat?

June: Dreams

Summer is a time for transitions. Some of you are graduating, while others of you are moving to new schools. But no matter where you are on your life journey, we all have hopes and dreams. This month we're looking for art that brings a voice to your future aspirations! What do you want to be when you grow up? Anything new you hope to try, places you'd like to see or goals you'd like to reach? What challenges might you face? How can you work to overcome those challenges?

July: Nature

Texting. Facebook. Video games. Email. Sometimes we get so caught up in the latest technological advancements that we forget to notice the breathtaking beauty of good ol' Mother Nature. This month, we're setting aside the gadgets and tuning into the intricate details and diversity of nature. Is there a view that inspires you? Do you have a favorite flower, tree, or animal? If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? What would it look like there? What creatures would you see there? Explore the four seasons, vast geographical regions, and wildlife for this month's theme and send us your submissions!

August: Global Connections

We all speak different languages and have different traditions, customs and backgrounds. This month let's celebrate diversity! And let's celebrate our shared emotions and experiences! What is it that connects women all over the world? How can people and countries work to ending global issues like sex-trafficking, domestic abuse, hunger, and poverty? How can we build a better world and a better future? Can we see past war toward hope, growth, and understanding? What would a world at peace look like?

September: Sisterhood

Traveling pants, or no traveling pants, nothing beats the honesty, love and support we get from sisterhood. Whether you're biological sisters or just close friends, who do you turn to first when you get happy or sad news? Have you ever felt left out? Have you ever been there for someone when they've gone through trying times? Who do you think of when you hear "sisterhood?" How do you celebrate your relationships and sisterhoods?

October: Politics

The presidential election is almost here. Tired of hearing and seeing ad campaigns yet? Or are you hyped up and volunteering to support your preferred candidate? What issues do you think are most important? Are there any issues you think politicians should be addressing, but aren't? Are the needs and perspectives of teen girls visible in this election? Are their voices through voting? What's the status of women in politics? What types of leaders do our nation and this world need?

November: Heritage

We all come from somewhere, and this month is the time to be proud of our family heritage. America is a melting pot with a wealth of culture and history. Where is your family from? What about your family's culture makes you unique? Do you have favorite recipes passed down for generations? What is your favorite tradition? What about stories your grandmother has told you about the good ol' days? What do you want to learn about your heritage and/or culture?

December: Compassion

No matter what holiday you're celebrating, this is a season when you can show your compassion. It's also a time to reflect on the past year and give thanks to those who have touched your life. Who or what are you truly thankful for? What's the greatest gift you could give someone? What does it mean to show compassion toward others? Have you witnessed an act of kindness that inspired you? Are there situations where society isn't showing or giving enough compassion?