Hey art lovers and Vegas fans check this out! The mind-blowing Sphere in Las Vegas is doing something super cool for Earth Day this year. They're hosting their second annual student design challenge and this time it's all about celebrating our planet. And guess what? You actually get to be part of picking the winners!
Second Annual Sphere XO Student Design Challenge: Earth Day Theme Takes Over the Exosphere
The Sphere Entertainment Co. along with the Clark County School District and UNLV are teaming up again for the Sphere XO Student Design Challenge. This is their second year doing it and it's a fantastic way to showcase local talent on a global stage. Remember last year when student art lit up the Sphere for the Fourth of July? It was amazing! Now they're doing it again for Earth Day on April 22nd.
This isn't just some small display either. We're talking about the Exosphere – the world's largest LED screen – becoming a giant canvas for student artwork. The theme this year is Earth Day so expect to see designs that celebrate nature conservation and all things green. It's going to be incredible to see these student interpretations of our planet light up the Vegas skyline.
Your Vote Counts: Public Can Choose Half the Winners for Sphere Earth Day Art Display
Here's where it gets really fun you get to have your say! Voting is now open to the public for the Sphere XO Student Design Challenge. You can head over to thesphere.com/vote and cast your ballot for your favorite art pieces. Voting started this week and runs until March 24th so you have some time but don't wait too long!
You can vote daily in each of the four student categories: elementary school middle school high school and college. That means you can support young artists at every level and help decide what art will be displayed on the Sphere for Earth Day. Your opinion truly matters in this competition.
The public vote will determine half of the winners – four in total. The other four winners will be chosen by a panel of professional artists and designers who have experience working with the Sphere. It is a cool mix of public opinion and expert judging to select the best of the best.
Big Prizes for Budding Artists: Scholarships Donations and the Ultimate Sphere Experience Await Winners
Winning this challenge is a huge deal for these students. It is not just about seeing their art on the Sphere although that is pretty awesome itself! There are some serious prizes up for grabs too.
For the elementary and middle school winners their school's art programs will receive a $10000 donation. That is a significant boost for art education in local schools and can help support future creative projects. Plus the entire student body of the winning schools will get to attend a Sphere Experience event. Talk about a field trip!
High school and college winners will each receive a $10000 scholarship from Sphere. That's a fantastic way to support their higher education goals and future artistic endeavors. These prizes are not just recognition they are real investments in the students' futures and in arts education within the community.
Jen Stark and Shepard Fairey Among Judges: Renowned Artists Lend Expertise to Student Challenge
Speaking of expert judging the panel for this year's challenge is impressive. It includes Los Angeles-based artist Jen Stark who herself has had her amazing designs displayed on the Sphere. She even said she was "mesmerized and amazed" by the Sphere's technology when she first saw it. Having an artist like Jen Stark involved is a big validation for the students and adds serious credibility to the competition.
Joining Jen Stark on the judging panel is Shepard Fairey another renowned artist. Shepard Fairey known for his iconic "Hope" poster and OBEY art is a major name in the art world. He stated he's always enjoyed the interactive nature of art school and sees this challenge as a similar experience but on a much larger public stage. Having artists like Stark and Fairey as judges gives the student artists valuable feedback and exposure.
Sphere's Impact: More Than Just a Venue a Platform for Art and Community Engagement
This Student Design Challenge really highlights how the Sphere is becoming more than just a performance venue. It's a platform for art a community hub and a place where technology and creativity come together. Rich Constable Global Head of Government Affairs & Social Impact for MSG Entertainment said the challenge "demonstrates what's possible when technology and art come together".
Raul Montez a UNLV winner from the first Sphere XO Student Design Challenge described seeing his art on Sphere as "one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done as an artist". He added that as an architect he is still on a "high" from the experience. These are powerful testimonials to the impact this challenge is having on young artists and the community.
Get Involved: How to Cast Your Vote and Support Student Artists in the Sphere Challenge
Ready to make your voice heard and support these talented students? Here's how to cast your vote in the Sphere XO Student Design Challenge:
- Go to the Website: Visit the official voting website: thesphere.com/vote
- View Finalists: Browse the submissions from over 100 finalists in the elementary school middle school high school and college categories.
- Vote Daily: You can vote once per day for your favorite entry in each of the four student groups.
- Share Your Vote: Easily share your chosen artists on social media to encourage friends and family to vote too!
- Voting Deadline: Make sure to cast your votes before Monday March 24th at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Don't miss this chance to support young artists celebrate Earth Day and have a direct impact on what art will light up the Las Vegas Sphere. Your vote really does count!
Las Vegas Sphere: A Beacon of Art Technology and Community Spirit this Earth Day
The Sphere XO Student Design Challenge is a fantastic initiative that showcases the incredible potential of combining art and technology. It gives local students an unparalleled opportunity to display their creativity on a massive global stage and it involves the community in a meaningful way through public voting. This Earth Day keep an eye on the Las Vegas Sphere and get ready to be amazed by the talent of these young artists. And don't forget to cast your vote and be part of this awesome event!