Block Party

Date & Time:

Mar 20 – Mar 29

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BLOCK PARTY

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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.

 

Block Party Submission Form

Name(Required)
What are you submitting? (Please select one)(Required)
Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, Max. file size: 10 MB.
PLEASE NOTE: All image editing must be completed prior to uploading. Please ensure that all images are: properly in focus (no blurriness), saved/exported with the desired orientation, cropped to show only the artwork, and void of framing material or background that is unrelated to the artwork itself. Failure to follow these guidelines may prompt a request for the artist to resubmit their image, which could forfeit their entry.
Please list any media used. If you are creating a block sculpture, list "Block" and any other materials used, if any.
Is your submission for sale?(Required)
Signer must be age 18 or older. Check here if a parent/guardian signing for a minor.
CONDITIONS OF EXHIBITION: Artwork must be original of the artist. Artwork must not have been previously exhibited at the Delaplaine. Artwork must remain on view for the duration of the exhibition. The Delaplaine reserves the right to refuse any work for any reason. Artists are solely responsible for delivery, pick-up, and any unusual installation requirements. All artwork must be received by the Delaplaine ready to hang or install. Artworks must be fitted firmly in a frame or otherwise prepared for installation. Taut wire for hanging should be at least 1/3 distance from the top of the frame. Saw-tooth hangers or easel back frame will not be accepted. Gallery wrapped canvases should not have sides left unfinished. The Delaplaine will insure the artwork from the time of delivery until the designated pick-up time (for an amount that shall not exceed the sale price less commission). Any work left at the Delaplaine for longer than the designated pick-up dates may be disposed of at the Center’s discretion. The Delaplaine will retain a 30% commission for any works sold during the show (20% commission for Delaplaine members). Submission of an artwork constitutes permission to photograph it for publicity purposes and agreement with all conditions set forth herein. IMAGE RELEASE: In consideration of the opportunity to participate in The Delaplaine Arts Center’s (the Delaplaine) programs, exhibitions, or website, I the undersigned, hereby grant permission and license to the Delaplaine to use digital images, slides, or photographic images of my artwork sent by me to the center for publicity purposes and to include any digitalized image within printed materials or on the exhibition web page, which will be accessible by modem or internet connection. The Delaplaine may create “low resolution” digital versions of the images to conserve electronic storage space and as a possible deterrent to infringement. I agree that photographic images of artwork to be used to promote or advertise the exhibition may not be returned. I represent and warrant that I have full and unrestricted right to grant this permission, and that the identified works are original and do not infringe the copyright or any other proprietary rights of any other person. I agree that neither the Delaplaine, nor any of its directors, officers, officials, agents or employees shall bear any responsibility or liability for the infringement of my copyrights, or any other proprietary rights by third parties as a result of the availability of my artwork on the website and I will absolve the Delaplaine and its directors, officials, agents and employees from and against all claims, suits, damages, and costs arising out of or resulting from the use of the artwork and slide images provided for publicity purposes. I shall be solely responsible for securing any copyright restriction I deem necessary to protect my rights in the artwork and images.
Acknowledgment(Required)

 

Delaplaine Arts Center

40 S Carroll St
Frederick, MD 21701 United States

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301-698-0656