Holiday Card Designs Sought for Annual Contest

An illustration shows a woman waving to family and friends in a Zoom meeting on her computer screen. Words read: Holiday Card Contest, 1st place: $1000, 2nd place: $650, 3rd place: $350, deadline Wed. Dec. 1, 5 p.m. University at Albany
Last year's winning illustration was by Mehr Sharma. Students can submit designs for this year's contest through Dec. 1.

ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 9, 2021) — UAlbany is gearing up to celebrate the winter holidays with its fourth annual Digital Holiday Card Contest.

Students are invited to submit artwork – drawings, paintings, illustrations, photography, digital art – for this year’s contest. Judges will choose a winner to illustrate the University’s holiday card, which will be distributed digitally to the campus community, donors and friends of UAlbany.

President Rodríguez began the design competition in 2018 to create a holiday tradition that showcases the creativity and artistic talent of UAlbany students.

Designs must be submitted by 5 p.m. Dec. 1. Three finalists will be chosen, and the winner will be announced at unveiling ceremony, tentatively scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 10. The winner also should be available to attend the Big Purple Growl on Dec. 11 at the SEFCU Arena, where the design will be shown. 

Winners will receive a UAlbany scholarship payable to their student account. The first place winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship, while second place wins $650 and third place, $350.

Submitted artwork should reflect the contest themes below.

  • University at Albany
  • Great Dane or Minerva
  • Back together again
  • Resilience
  • Holiday Season
  • Special emphasis should be placed on inclusive imagery not specific to any one holiday.  

Any UAlbany student in good academic and judicial standing is eligible to submit artwork (one entry per person) for the contest, via the official entry form. Full contest details and the entry form are available on the website.