The Coronado Library was founded in 1890. The original library was built as a classical building that architect Harrison Albright designed in 1909. The building still stands at 640 Orange Avenue located in the heart of the Coronado community. This original building serves as the Spreckels Reading Room within the 40,000 square feet remodeled and expanded library building. The library includes study space at tables and carrels, lounge seating, wireless Internet access, a large public meeting room, conference room, study rooms, separate Children's Library and Teen area, public-access computers, and collections in various subjects and formats. The library also has several large exhibit spaces where we display curated art from the local Coronado and San Diego community and museum-like curated cultural exhibits.

This summer, the library will host Alice: Illustrating Wonderland, a special exhibit celebrating 160 years of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. In honor of this milestone, we invite artists of all ages to reimagine the whimsy and wonder of Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale. Choose a character or scene that inspires you—from the Mad Hatter’s tea party to Alice’s encounter with the Queen of Hearts—and craft your own two-dimensional masterpiece. Winners will receive prizes, and at least 10 pieces from each age category will be featured in the exhibit alongside 160 beautifully illustrated editions of the book. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your creativity and become part of Wonderland’s artistic legacy!

Prizes and Recognition

Prizes will be awarded to winners in each age category.

Honorable mentions may be given to noteworthy entries.

Selected artworks may be featured in a virtual or physical exhibition, publication, or on social media with credit to the artist.

Application Requirements

Notification of winners and exhibit acceptance: April 14-18, 2025

Take-In of Artwork: Artists are responsible for transportation of artwork to the Coronado Public Library at their own expense and risk. All selected art must be delivered by May 2, 2025.

Exhibit Dates: May 19, 2025 - August 31, 2025

Artwork Pick-up: September 2-5, 2025

There is no application fee for entry.

Theme

• Artwork must depict a character or scene inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.
• Original interpretations and creative depictions are particularly encouraged.

Originality and Plagiarism

• All artworks must be original and created by the submitting artist. Any form of plagiarism will lead to disqualification.
• References or inspirations from other artworks should be clearly cited in the submission form.

Medium and Format

• Accepted mediums include traditional (pencil, ink, watercolor, acrylic, oil, etc.), digital art, mixed media and must be two dimensional.
• Initial submission should be a high-quality image (JPEG or PNG, at least 300 DPI, no larger than 10 MB) of the artwork for judging.

Submission Process

• Submit a digital image of the artwork by the deadline March 31, 2025. You may submit up to two artwork pieces.
• A submission note must accompany each entry, including the artist’s name, title, artwork dimensions, age category, school if applicable, contact information, and a brief description of the artwork.

Size and Presentation for Original Art

• For physical artwork: The maximum size allowed is 18” x 24” (45cm x 60cm).
• Original artwork should be able to be mounted or framed for display purposes.

Rights and Usage

• Participants retain the copyright of their artwork. However, by entering the contest, they grant the organizers the right to use images of the selected artwork in publications promoting the exhibition.
• These artworks will be returned to the artists after the exhibit.

Disqualification

• Entries that do not adhere to the guidelines or are found to be plagiarized will be disqualified.
• Late submissions will not be considered unless an extension has been granted.

Code of Conduct

• All participants, judges, and organizers must maintain respectful and professional behavior.
• Constructive feedback may be provided to top participants to foster a positive learning environment.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all artists and student artists of all ages of Southern California. See age categories.  

Age Categories: 

• Young Creators (Ages 6–11)
• Teen Visionaries (Ages 12–18)
• Adult Artists (Ages 19+)

Each participant is allowed up to five entries.

A panel of three judges will evaluate the entries.

Judging Criteria:

• Creativity and originality (40%)
• Artistic skill and technique (30%)
• Relevance to theme (20%)
• Overall presentation and impact (10%)