Top Upcoming Art Competitions In Denver

Whether you are an artist yourself or just appreciate art in all its forms, art shows and festivals are a great way to get become familiar with new talent in the area. From oil paintings to horror films, artists come in all disciplines and genres, so no matter what type of work you are looking for, there is sure to be a competition or festival for you. Check out these great options for art competitions in Denver.

The Abecedarian Gallery is hosting its final exhibition for the 2012 year, with a deadline for submissions on Sept. 19. The theme of the exhibition is "Modest in Scale," and it is celebrating any artwork that is no larger than 12 inches in any dimension. This art show will be juried by Doug Stapleton, assistant curator of art at the Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery, and there are prizes of up to $1,500. The winning artists will have their work on display at the Abecedarian Gallery from Nov. 16 through Dec. 15.

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Date: Oct. 4 through Nov. 3

Denver is proud to be hosting the 2012 Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition at Gallery 1261. This exhibition is a spectacular showcase of some truly talented oil painters from all across the country. This juried show includes prizes totaling $11,500, including a best in show award of $4,000, so you can be sure this will be a showcase of some of the finest oil paintings the country has to offer. If you have never had the opportunity to truly see the impressive talent of a skilled oil painter, then this is the perfect opportunity to head over to the gallery and be amazed.

Date: Oct. 1 through Jan. 14. Winners announced by May.

For more than 15 years the Colorado Prize for Poetry has been honoring writers across the country. With an award of $2,000 plus publication of the winning book by the Center for Literary Publishing, this is understandably a sought-after award. The Colorado Review begins accepting manuscripts in October of every year, with the winners announcement in May of the following year. Only books that have never been published (including self-published books) are eligible and the contest is open to all themes and genres. More than 650 entries were reviewed for the 2011-2012 competition, and the winner was Jack Christian's "Family System."

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Date: Oct. 5 through Oct. 7
Price: All access passes start at $75

If you are a fan of horror films, then you will love this festival. The Mile High Horror Film Festival showcases the best in independent horror films from around the world. In 2011, more than 30 films were screened and multiple awards were handed out, including Best Feature Film, Audience Award and Best Short. Some of the biggest names in horror have been seen at the festival, including Jeffrey Reddick, the writer of the "Final Destination" series, and Dan Myrick, the writer of "The Blair Witch Project." So be sure to get your tickets to this festival early, as any true horror fan is sure to be there.

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Date: Nov. 2 through November 4, 2012
Prices: Tickets vary depending on event

For more than 25 years, the Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival has been showcasing documentaries, shorts, features and animated films all centered on women's stories. It offers films either about a woman or by a woman, and celebrates the role of women in film. It is the longest-running women's film festival in the country, and it is just a short drive south of Denver. More than 1,000 people attend the three day festival in Colorado Springs, and it is a great time to head down and cheer on your favorite film and filmmakers. Included in the honored films will be the Madelyn Osur Choice Award, honoring Madelyn Osur, an active member of the film festival that lost a battle with breast cancer in 2005.