The Mid Michigan College Foundation is excited to announce the search for the next A Northern Tradition Featured Artist.

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With an annual attendance of more than 600 guests this unique event, hosted at Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare, has raised more than $1.7 million over the last 20 years, benefiting the students of Mid Michigan College. Proceeds from A Northern Tradition support vital needs like scholarships, program development, improved facilities, and student success initiatives. Guests enjoy after-hours shopping at Jay’s, food from local restaurants, and take home an exclusive print signed and created by the selected artist.

The Featured Artist plays a central role at the event—interacting with guests, distributing signed prints, showcasing additional works of art, and meeting with other outdoor enthusiasts and supporters of Mid Michigan College.

A Northern Tradition Featured Artist Search

Submit your original, two-dimensional artwork for a chance to be selected as the Featured Artist and be part of this impactful event!

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Contest Details

Eligibility | The competition is open to artists of all levels and backgrounds. Residents of Michigan preferred.

Age Requirement | Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate.

Deadline | All submissions must be received by September 6, 2024.

Notification | All artists will be notified of their selection status by November 1, 2024. TBD HOW? Email? Phone? (Em Tayler)

Originality | You must be the creator of the art you submit for the competition. Your submission must be your original concept and not a copy of anyone else’s copyrighted material. If your image infringes upon another’s copyright it will be disqualified.

Format | The artwork must be two-dimensional (i.e. drawing, photograph, print, painting, etc).

Multiple Submissions | Multiple submissions are permitted, however, the artist is limited to only one prize payment, and only one piece of artwork will be selected.

Signed Release | The artist will transfer the rights of the original artwork to the Mid Michigan College Foundation if their submission is selected.

Non-Exclusive Permissions | If selected, by entering this competition, you are granting the Mid Michigan College Foundation a non-exclusive perpetual license to reproduce images of your artwork on our website, social media, print media, newsletters, exhibits, website, print collateral, advertising, display images, and/or any additional event promotional materials. This also includes marketing for future art competitions to the general public. The exclusive rights to the original artwork will be used to create prints for distribution at A Northern Tradition, paid for by the Foundation, and for other promotional purposes.

Attendance at A Northern Tradition | The chosen artist must be present at A Northern Tradition on April 13, 2025.

Prize | The selected artist will receive a monetary prize of $1,000, along with significant exposure by being the Featured Artist at the A Northern Tradition event.

Print Quality | Is the quality high enough for print?

Originality | Does it stand out in terms of creativity and execution?

Composition & Design | How well is the artwork composed and designed?

Theme Alignment | Does the submitted artwork feature wildlife or align with the theme of A Northern Tradition at Jay’s Sporting Goods?

All submissions must be sent in using this form.
Submission Form

Featured Artists' Work from Previous Years

Questions.

Contact Tayler Kouider, Foundation Assistant, at tkouider@midmich.edu or (989) 259-2188 x182.