Exposed Rules

What is Exposed?

“Exposed: If Life Was a Movie” is an annual art and literature contest designed especially for teens in grades 7-12.

How It's Judged

Judging will be conducted by the Yorba Linda Arts Alliance Foundation, and judges’ decision will be final.

Awards Presentation

Selected entries for the 2025 Exposed Art and Literature Contest will be displayed in the exhibit space at the Yorba Linda Public Library between December 2, 2025 - January 31, 2026. Exposed Awards Presentation will take place in the library community room at 6:30 p.m. onTuesday, December 2, 2025.

Due to space constraints, artwork not chosen to be displayed must be picked up from the Yorba Linda Public Library by Saturday, December 13, 2025

Due Date

All entries are due to the Yorba Linda Public Library before
7:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

General Guidelines

Grades 7-12 Only
Participants must be in grades 7-12.

Single Entry Per Category
A person and/or group may submit a maximum of 1 (one) entry in any category.

Read Category Guidelines
Each category details specific requirements for entry. See following pages for details.

Follow Theme
Entries must express this year’s theme: If Life Was a Movie.

Create Between August 25 – November 6, 2025
Entries must have been created between August 25 – November 6, 2025. Any violation of Exposed guidelines and/or U.S. Copyright laws will result in disqualification. Late entries past the deadline of November 6, 2025, before 7:59 pm, will not be accepted.

Complete Entry Form
Contest entry forms are available in the link above and at the Adult Desk or Teen Desk on the second floor of the library. When submitted, all entries must include an official entry form, with all entry details filled in. Do not place your name on the actual entry.

Content Appropriateness
The library reserves the right to reject any entry it deems inappropriate or which contains excessive profanity and/or explicit sexual or violent content.

Short Story

Entry must be an unpublished, original fiction story not to exceed 3,000 words in length.

Poetry

Entry must be an unpublished, original poem.

How to Submit

1. Type It Up
Entry must be typed, single-sided, double-spaced on plain 8.5” x 11” paper. Illustrations will not be considered. Handwritten entries will not be judged.

2. Write an Explanation
Please include a typed, double-spaced explanation (no longer than 75 words) about how the piece fits into your interpretation of this year’s theme. This is to help the judges understand your thoughts and purpose in creating the particular literature piece. They will consider this information during the evaluation process.

3. Submit a Hard Copy
Submit one (1) copy of your short story or poem, written explanation, and an entry form in a large envelope to the Yorba Linda Public Library before 7:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

4. Submit a Digital Copy
In addition to the hard copy, e-mail one (1) digital copy of your short story or poem and written explanation to ehuchim@yorbalindaca.gov in a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format. Google doc. links will not be accepted.

Drawing, Painting, & Photography

Entry must be an original, unpublished work.

How to submit your entry:

1. Make It No Bigger Than 18”x20"x4”
Artwork may be no larger than 18 in. high, 20 in. wide and 4 in. deep, including the outside dimensions of the frame.

2. Write an Explanation
Please include a typed, double-spaced explanation (no longer than 75 words) about how the piece fits into your interpretation of this year’s theme. This is to help the judges understand your thoughts and purpose in creating the particular art piece. They will consider this information during the evaluation process. Email the explanation to ehuchim@yorbalindaca.gov in a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format.

3. Must be Framed
All artwork must be framed. All entries should use a Plexi-Glass frame (not glass material), for safety. Also, all frames must include a way to hang (such as hanging wire).

4. Label It
Each entry should include an index card with:
○ Participant’s name(s)
○ Title of piece
○ Address & phone number
○ School, grade and teacher’s name (if applicable)
Using clear tape, attach it to the back of the artwork in the lower right corner.

Graphic Design

Entry must be an original, unpublished work.

How to submit your entry:

1. Make It No Bigger Than 18”x20“x4”
Artwork may be no larger than 18 in. high, 20 in. wide and 4 in. deep, including the outside dimensions of the frame.

2. Write an Explanation
Please include a typed, double-spaced explanation (no longer than 75 words) about how the piece fits into your interpretation of this year’s theme. This is to help the judges understand your thoughts and purpose in creating the particular graphic design piece. They will consider this information during the evaluation process. Email the explanation to ehuchim@yorbalindaca.gov in a Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format.

3. Must be Framed
All artwork must be framed. All entries should use a Plexi-Glass frame (not glass material), for safety. Also, all frames must include a way to hang (such as hanging wire).

4. Label It
Each entry should include an index card with:
○ Participant’s name(s)
○ Title of piece
○ Address & phone number
○ School, grade and teacher’s name (if applicable)
Using clear tape, attach it to the back of the artwork in the lower right corner.

Exposed: If Life Was a Movie is not affiliated with the school or PYLUSD. PYLUSD does not endorse or sponsor this activity.