The Bismarck Art & Galleries Association is adding an art contest to one of its longest-running holiday traditions. Alongside its 25th annual Cookie Walk on Saturday, Dec. 5, the downtown gallery at 422 E. Front Ave. will open a "Gingerbread Gallery" of entries in a new challenge called Gingerbread, But Make It Art!
Registration for the challenge closes Tuesday, Dec. 1, according to BAGA.
A gingerbread contest that isn't about baking
BAGA describes the event as "an art challenge, not a baking competition." It invites businesses, artists and families to use gingerbread, candy and other edible materials for sculptures, versions of famous artworks or North Dakota landmarks, among other ideas. Traditional gingerbread houses are allowed, but organizers say they want entrants to "think beyond" them.
There are three divisions:
- Business Division: $200 per entry. Participating businesses' names and logos will be displayed with their creations.
- Artist Division: $20 per entry.
- Family Division: $15 per entry.
Businesses can also become a $500 event sponsor, with or without submitting an entry.
The posted rules include:
- Entries must fit on a base no larger than 12 by 12 inches.
- At least 80% of the visible creation must be edible.
- Gingerbread must be a "significant and recognizable part" of the piece.
- Limited concealed non-edible supports are permitted.
- Battery-operated lights and moving parts are allowed. Cords, flames and heat-producing elements are not.
- Commercial kits can be a starting point only if the finished piece includes significant original design. BAGA says entries will not be eaten.
Key dates
The gallery's posted schedule:
- Dec. 1: Registration deadline
- Dec. 4: Finished entries due at BAGA, fully assembled
- Dec. 5: Cookie Walk, Gingerbread Gallery opening and People's Choice voting
- Dec. 5–9: Gingerbread Gallery open to the public
- Dec. 10: Entry pickup
Planned award categories include the Gingerbread Masterpiece Award, Most Creative Concoction, "How Is That Even Gingerbread?!" and a People's Choice Award chosen by Cookie Walk visitors. BAGA says the number of awards may change depending on how many people enter.
The Cookie Walk, 25 years in
The Cookie Walk runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 5, "or until the cookies are gone," according to the gallery. Shoppers get a container at the door and fill it from tables of homemade cookies and treats. Most cookies are sold by the pound, and some specialty items are priced individually. BAGA has not posted a per-pound price on its site.
The gallery says all proceeds support its mission to "support, elevate, and advance the visual arts." The gallery store and current exhibits will also be open during the sale.
Viewing and voting
Visitors do not have to enter the contest to see the entries or vote. People's Choice voting takes place during the Cookie Walk on Dec. 5. The Gingerbread Gallery stays up through Wednesday, Dec. 9. BAGA has not listed separate viewing hours for Dec. 6–9.
Registration, sponsorship details and the full rules are on BAGA's challenge page.
Sources: https://bismarck-art.org/gingerbread-but-make-it-art ; https://bismarck-art.org/ ; https://bismarck-art.org/events-calendar/