Contests & Exhibits

Climate Flash Fiction: A One Read Writing Contest

“In their own private ways they were all grieving the end of this life, knowing it must come to an end, not knowing how they’ll survive that.”
~Charlotte McConaghy “Migrations”

Ice Formation In Body Of WaterIn this year’s One Read selection, author Charlotte McConaghy tells a story of a world not so different from our own, a story of one potential, not-so-far-away future. Taking inspiration from “Migrations,” we invite you to write a story of climate fiction in 250 words or less. Climate fiction explores climate change and its impact on Earth and on society, and is generally speculative in nature. Your piece can be set at any point in time, be it past, present or future, and its tone can be hopeful, pessimistic or anywhere in between.

Starting September 3, entries may be submitted using this form, mailed or dropped off at any library or bookmobile. (See full rules below for details.) Winning entries and honorable mentions will be published on this site and in the Columbia Missourian, and winners will receive a $25 bookstore gift card.

Participants must be age 16 or older and residents of Boone or Callaway Counties. Read on for complete contest rules. Continue reading “Climate Flash Fiction: A One Read Writing Contest”

Call for Submissions: One Read Art Exhibit

Flight: One Read Art Exhibit invitation graphic of a bird flying with outstretched wingsFlight
One Read Art Exhibit
Orr Street Studios (106 Orr Street, Columbia)

Inspired by this year’s One Read book, “Migrations,” we invite Mid-Missouri artists ages 16 and older to contribute works that explore the idea of movement, escape or adventure. Flight may be literal or metaphorical, real or fantastical, natural or mechanized.

Cash prizes will be awarded for three winners, sponsored by Columbia’s Office of Cultural Affairs. The third place winner will receive $50, second place $75 and first place $125. The first place winner will also receive a one-year membership to the Columbia Art League.

The exhibit will take place September 10-20, and can be viewed at a reception on Friday, September 13 or during Orr Street Studios’ open hours. (See www.orrstreetstudios.com for details.)

“There is nothing so disturbing as a creature born to flight being bound to dull lifelessness.”

― Charlotte McConaghy, “Migrations”

Fortunately, despite the recent fire, Orr Street Studios is expecting to have the gallery ready for September exhibits, including “Flight.”

Submission Details Continue reading “Call for Submissions: One Read Art Exhibit”

Winners: Reckoning Flash Fiction Contest

As part of this year’s One Read program, we invited you to take inspiration from Margaret Verble’s “When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky,” by telling a tale in 250 words or less, and we asked that you write about someone facing accountability or consequences in some way.

Thank you to everyone who entered and shared your works of flash fiction.

Our two winners are Aubrey Bjork and Regan Puckett. Honorable mentions go to Xander Kennedy and Jessica Piccone.

We are excited to share these stories with you! Continue reading “Winners: Reckoning Flash Fiction Contest”

Reckoning: One Read Flash Fiction Writing Contest

So his death had not been avenged. And that was a serious matter. It disturbed the harmony.
~Margaret Verble, “When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky”

Bronze statue of Justice carrying a sword and holding up scales representing law and order over a brown background with copy space

In this year’s One Read selection, author Margaret Verble delves into what happens when a buried past finally comes to light. Taking inspiration from “When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky,” we invite you to tell a story of a reckoning in 250 words or less. Your tale can be about anything or anyone, but it should include someone facing accountability or consequences in some way.

Starting September 1, entries may be submitted using this form, mailed or dropped off at any library or bookmobile. (See full rules below for details.) Winning entries and honorable mentions will be published on this site and in the Columbia Missourian, and winners will receive a $25 bookstore gift card.

Participants must be age 16 or older and residents of Boone or Callaway Counties. Read on for complete contest rules.

Continue reading “Reckoning: One Read Flash Fiction Writing Contest”

Call for Submissions: One Read Art Exhibit

Unearthed
One Read Art Exhibit
Orr Street Studios (106 Orr Street, Columbia)

Inspired by this year’s One Read book “When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky,” we invite Mid-Missouri artists ages 16 and older to contribute works for our 2023 exhibition, “Unearthed.” Works should explore the revelation of something buried or hidden, capture the idea of discovery, or bring to light something previously held in darkness.

Cash prizes will be awarded for three winners, sponsored by Columbia’s Office of Cultural Affairs. The third place winner will receive $50, second place $75 and first place $125.

The exhibit will take place September 1 – 15, and can be viewed in person at the September 1 First Friday reception.

“She pictured mounds covering the ground like giant, rounding waves coming into a beach. She imagined them being there, maybe under her feet. Holding layers and layers of ancestors, elders, and ancient ones. Trapped somehow in rocks or stones.”

― Margaret Verble, “When Two Feathers Fell From the Sky”

Submission Details Continue reading “Call for Submissions: One Read Art Exhibit”

Lyrical Beginnings: Flash Fiction Contest Winners

As part of this year’s One Read program, we invited you to take inspiration from M.O. Walsh’s naming convention in the “The Big Door Prize,” by telling a tale in 250 words or less, and we asked that you titled your story using a chapter heading from the book. The stories could be about anything and anyone, but they should harmonize with your chosen title.

Thank you to everyone who entered and shared your works of flash fiction.

Our two winners are Scott Garson and Suzette Haefling. Honorable mentions go to David Lake and Regan Puckett.

We are excited to share these stories with you!

Continue reading “Lyrical Beginnings: Flash Fiction Contest Winners”

Possibility, Promise: Art Exhibit Winners

For this year’s One Read art exhibit, we asked artists from Mid-Missouri to submit works that explore the idea of potential, that capture a transformation, or investigate what someone or something might become. We thank all of the contributing artists and we extend a special congratulations to the winners listed below. Thanks also to our judges for their careful consideration of the entries.

First Place
untitled
Christine Doerr
Mixed Media
image of first place winning artwork by Christine Doerr

Continue reading “Possibility, Promise: Art Exhibit Winners”

Lyrical Beginnings: Flash Fiction Writing Contest

Woman writing music on the grass

In this year’s One Read selection, author M.O. Walsh uses John Prine lyrics and song titles for many of the book’s chapter titles, as well as for the name of the book itself. Taking inspiration from Walsh’s naming convention in the “The Big Door Prize,” we invite you to tell a tale in 250 words or less, and we ask that you title your story using a chapter heading from the book. You can choose any chapter title for your flash fiction. Your story can be about anything and anyone, but it should harmonize with your chosen title. The tone can be joyful, pessimistic or anywhere in between. Winning entries and honorable mentions will be published online and in the Columbia Missourian, and the winners will receive bookstore gift cards.

Starting September 1, entries may be submitted online, mailed or dropped off at any library or bookmobile. (See full rules below for details.) Winning entries and honorable mentions will be published on this site and in the Columbia Missourian, and winners will receive a $25 book store gift card.

Participants must be age 16 or older and residents of Boone or Callaway Counties. Read on for complete contest rules. Continue reading “Lyrical Beginnings: Flash Fiction Writing Contest”

Possibility, Promise: One Read Art Exhibit Call for Submissions

image of chrysalis and blue butterfly Possibility, Promise
A One Read Art Exhibit
Orr Street Studios (106 Orr Street, Columbia)

Inspired by this year’s One Read book “The Big Door Prize,” we invite Mid-Missouri artists ages 16 and older to contribute works that explore the idea of potential, that capture a transformation, or investigate what someone or something might become.

Cash prizes will be awarded for three winners, sponsored by Columbia’s Office of Cultural Affairs. The third place winner will receive $50, second place $75 and first place $125. Continue reading “Possibility, Promise: One Read Art Exhibit Call for Submissions”