Most of us have seen amazing things constructed from interlocking plastic building blocks, such as LEGO®. This spring, we’re providing the chance for brick aficionados of all ages to show off their creativity and skill while raising funds for our community engagement programs serving underserved, at-risk, and marginalized audiences!
Block Party at the Delaplaine invites brick creators and artists to show off their creations made with or inspired by interlocking blocks in a 10-day public exhibition in Gardiner Hall. Visitors will be able to purchase votes for their favorites, and exhibitors will be eligible for cash and other prizes. The Delaplaine will be open extended hours throughout the exhibition.
Program Goals
- To engage members of the community of all ages to create and enjoy fun works of art using interlocking plastic blocks as materials or inspiration.
- To raise critical funds for the Delaplaine’s Community Engagement and public programs.
Important Dates
- Deadline for Entry Form: Sunday, Mar 1, 2026
- Project/Artwork Delivery: Tuesday & Wednesday, Mar 17 & 18, 9 am–7 pm
- Exhibition Dates: Friday, Mar 20–Sunday, Mar 29
- Exhibition Times: Monday–Saturday, 9–8 & Sunday, 11–5
- Jurors Award Winners Announced: Saturday, Mar 21 via Facebook
- People’s Choice Award Winner Announced: Monday, Mar 30 via Facebook
- Project/Artwork Pick-Up: Monday & Tuesday, Mar 30 & 31, 9 am–7 pm
Guidelines
- Entrants may submit one project created using interlocking plastic blocks of any kind (LEGO®, Duplo, Megablocks, etc.), or a 2–D or 3–D artwork in any media inspired by the interlocking block theme.
- An entry form available online must be completed for each entry. Entries are accepted beginning Jan 5, 2026. Entry fee: $10.
- There are no age restrictions for entry.
- Team entries are permitted. Each creator must be listed on the entry form.
- All entries must be original creations. Projects using interlocking blocks must not be a designed kit, projects found online or in print, etc.; however, kit materials may be used.
- The size limit for entries is 3’ (36 inches) wide or deep and 4’ (48 inches) high, with a weight limit of 40 lbs.
- Projects using interlocking plastic blocks may also use other materials, but interlocking plastic blocks must make up more than 50% of the completed project.
- No living organisms, liquids, hazardous materials, perishable materials, knives/blades, smoke, projectiles, or glitter may be utilized.
- Completed projects/artworks must be delivered to the Delaplaine during the delivery dates and times listed. Late deliveries will not be accepted.
- Projects/artworks must be picked-up during the pick-up days and times listed. Early pick-up is absolutely not permitted.
- Entries should be appropriate for all audiences.
- Entries must be fully assembled and constructed to be easily moved.
- Entries must be stable when sitting on a table or freestanding, with or without supports.
- The Delaplaine reserves the right to reject any entry.
Awards
A panel of judges will select winners in the following categories:
- Jurors Award – Best Engineered Block Project: $150
- Jurors Award – Most Creative Block Project or Artwork: $150
- Jurors Award – Most Inspired Artwork: $150
Visitors will be invited to purchase votes for their favorite throughout the duration of the exhibition. Voting will take place in-person at the Delaplaine and online at delaplaine.org.
The project or artwork that receives the most votes will be named the People’s Choice Award Winner, receive $250 and a trophy, and have their project displayed in the May issue of Delaplaine Arts magazine, distributed to about 50,000 households and businesses, and on the Delaplaine’s social media.
Disclaimer: LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this program.