INTERNATIONAL Space Art & Poetry Contest
Presented by Axiom-2 Pilot John Shoffner and the Perseid Foundation in partnership with:
MISSION UPDATE!
Selected creations have reached the Space Station!
Expected Announcement: September
Check back for mission status
SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED
VIEW PAST CONTEST SUBMISSIONS • FAQ • ABOUT THE AX-2 LAUNCH • CONTEST RULES
FROM THE GALACTIC HEADQUARTERS OF THE
2024 INTERNATIONAL SPACE ART & POETRY CONTEST
Greetings,
We are AMAZED by your out-of-this-world art and poetry!
Over 2700 creative and curious minds from 35 countries submitted your vision of what it would look like if we lived in space! You absolutely blew our space helmets off!
We know you’re excited to hear when the winners will be announced (and we can’t wait to share!).
Be sure to check the website for updates as we prepare to send your submissions to the stars!
All participants will receive a certificate and a note from Astronaut John Shoffner soon.
We can’t thank you enough for filling our world with vivid colors, thoughtful words and big dreams.
To the stars,
Your friends at the Perseid Foundation
INTERNATIONAL SPACE ART & POETRY CONTEST 2023
PREVIOUS CONTEST SUBMISSIONS
We were thrilled with the number of participants in our 2023 mission. Take a look back at our previous contest here.
Meet the Judges
John Shoffner
Axiom-2 Pilot and Contest Visionary
Peggy Whitson
Axiom-2 Commander, former NASA Chief Astronaut
Kaci Heins
Director of Education at Limitless Space Institute
Monique Lorden
Visual Artist, Poet and Published Author
About the Astronaut
Axiom-2 Pilot John Shoffner
In May 2023, astronaut, STEAM advocate, and business pioneer John Shoffner served as Pilot on Axiom Space Ax-2 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Throughout the duration of his mission, he hosted live events with schools around the world, demonstrating life in microgravity. While on orbit, Shoffner captured educational videos to excite the next generation of space enthusiasts, facilitated an International Art and Poetry contest that garnered over 930 entries from 26 countries, and participated in multiple life science research experiments that will shape the future of space exploration. The Ax-2 mission makes Shoffner the 598th person to orbit the Earth. He is also the first Alaska-born astronaut of record.
Shoffner is an accomplished aviator, skydiver, racecar driver, cyclist and lifelong space enthusiast. He discovered his love for art and science at an early age, and it never left him. Although space was his first passion, he took an alternative career path. Shoffner formed Dura-Line Corporation into an international company, developing and patenting multiple processes for materials and methods for the placement of fiber optic cable during the 1980s and 90’s. He retired as CEO in 1997 and Dura-Line remains a world market leader.
Today, Shoffner aims to use his recent space flight experience to help educators find new ways to excite young students to become curious and life-long learners. Through the launch of the Perseid Foundation, his new mission is to promote STEAM education and encourage educators/students to discover their inner voice so they don’t have to wait a lifetime to fulfill their dreams like John did. The Perseid Foundation works to bring world leading partnerships to its schools across Appalachia with programs for improving the learning culture in classrooms and STEAM curriculum development.
Since returning from space, Shoffner has received the first-ever key to the city of Middlesboro, KY, honoring his dedication to education and community development. He continues to inspire students and teachers alike through classroom visits, curriculum development, hands-on community involvement, and speaking engagements including VivaTech, Space Exploration Educators Conference, NPR, The World Knowledge Forum and more.
Connect with John on Twitter and Instagram at @johnpshoffner
For press inquiries, education and speaking engagements, contact: [email protected]
Space Art & Poetry Contest
Frequently Asked Questions
Send us pictures of your out-of-this-world paintings and drawings! Sorry, no photography, sculpture, or AI.
You bet! We are thrilled that you will send us your vision for living in space! A digital certificate of participation will be emailed to all registered participants after the contest concludes.
Absolutely! As long as a student is in grades K-12 in the United States, along with primary or secondary schools internationally.
One piece of art or poetry per student. Go above and beyond and try one of each!
Of course! However, if it is written in a language other than English, we will need an English translation of the poetry within the same document.
Artwork
- A photo of 2-Dimensional artwork (painting or drawing)
- Relates to the theme
- Imagination and Creativity
- Composition/Design
- Quality/Technical Skills
- Overall impression
Poetry
- Relates to the theme
- Originality
- Conventions of poetry
- Word usage
- Grammar, mechanics, and spelling
- Sensory details
The age-level representatives that have been selected will be notified via the information submitted at registration.
Visit Contest Rules for additional information.
Contest and press inquiries can be sent to nicole@