Enter the 2026 Annual Conflict Resolution Day
Bookmark
Art Contest
Create a bookmark that spreads peace
In observance of National Conflict Resolution Day on Thursday, October 15, 2026, the Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO) invites Maryland students in kindergarten through eighth grade to enter the Annual Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest.
This is your chance to show what it looks like to stop bullying, choose non-violence, listen with respect, include others, and work together to solve problems and conflicts. Big ideas that fit on small bookmarks!
Where your art can appear: Selected entries will be displayed at the Maryland Judicial Center (MJC) in Annapolis. Several winning entries may also be printed to promote conflict resolution across Maryland. Winners whose bookmarks are selected for printing will receive copies of their own entry for themselves and their school.
Awards & Recognition
Winning students, their families, and teachers will be invited to an awards ceremony and reception on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at the Maryland Judicial Center (MJC), where Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader will present the awards.
Who Can Enter
- Open to all Maryland students in grades K–8.
- Homeschooled students are welcome to participate.
- Students of Judiciary employees may enter, but are not eligible to receive prizes.
Grade Levels & Judging Criteria
Artwork will be judged in three grade categories:
- Kindergarten through 2nd grade
- 3rd through 5th grade
- 6th through 8th grade
Judges will consider uniqueness, artistry, creativity, and message.
Teachers and parents may help students by reminding them to check their spelling and grammar, but students should create the written message and artwork themselves.
Teachers and parents: please remind students to check their spelling, but please do not write on the bookmark art.
Prizes
The following prizes will be awarded in each grade category:
Theme Ideas
Messages that promote anti-violence and anti-bullying, listening, inclusion, respecting differences, and peacefully resolving conflicts. Ideas include:
- Talking things out instead of fighting.
- Apologizing and making things right.
- Respecting differences and including others.
- Solving problems together and working as a team.
- Listening, tolerance, diversity, and inclusion.
- Peacebuilding, peer mediation, other and alternatives to violence.
To see images of past winners, visit the bookmarks contest archives page.
How to Enter
Artwork requirements:
- Submit original artwork using the template (below) or on plain white paper.
- Finished image size must be no larger than 2.75 inches high by 7.5 inches wide.
- If you don’t use the template, do not trim your artwork to size.
- Please do not fold or cut your artwork to size.
- All submissions must be postmarked by Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Label your entry clearly (this helps us return it after the contest):
- Student name, age, and grade.
- School/program name (if appropriate).
- Teacher’s or parent’s name.
- Email address.
- Mailing address where the entry can be returned after the contest is complete.
- Teachers please batch and number your classroom entries.
Get started by downloading this bookmark template: Word file (.docx)
Where to Send Your Artwork
Mail or hand-deliver entries to:
Cheryl Jackson, Bookmark Contest Manager
Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO)
Administrative Office of the Courts
187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Questions
Email Cheryl Jackson at bookmarkcontest@mdcourts.gov or call 410-260-3540.
Note: By submitting a bookmark entry for this contest, you are providing consent and permission for the Judiciary to use the artwork for contest-related and educational purposes, including promotion of conflict resolution across Maryland.