CHEROKEE / CLAY
SENIOR GAMES & SILVERARTS

The following are the submission info and judging criteria for the various SilverArts categories.

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Who is eligible?

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To be eligible to participate, you must be 50 years of age or better on or before December 31 of the current year and be a resident of Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties for three (3) consecutive months each year.

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What is eligible?

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• All SilverArts work must have been produced/completed within the last 2 years (e.g. after May 2023 for the 2025 SilverArts Showcase competition).

• Entries cannot have previously medaled locally or entered or performed at the NC State Finals Games.

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Heritage Arts submission info and requirements

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• An artist may submit a maximum of 3 entries per sub-category.

• The artist's name, title of entry and sub-category must be attached to the entry when submitted.

• All 2D Art must be properly framed, wired and ready to be hung and be no larger than 36" x 42", including the frame.

• 3D Art pieces cannot be larger than than 3' wide x 3' deep x 5' high and must be attached to a base.

• Heritage art must be the work of ONE individual and not a group with the exception of Quilting - machine, collaborative.

• All entries must be an original work.  Patterns may be used but no stamped pieces or kits will be accepted with the exception of the Diamond Art sub-category.

• No entry may be heavier than 50 lbs.

• Criteria for judging; Originality, Color, Eye Appeal, Function (does it do what it is supposed to do?), Proportions,/Skill/Workmanship.

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Literary Arts submission info and requirements

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• An artist may submit a maximum of 1 entry per sub-category.

• Entries for all sub-categories should be typed on 8 1/2" x 11" paper and have a minimum of 1" margins and a minimum font size of 10 point type.  Font should be easily readable and "times new roman" or "arial" fonts are suggested.

• Poems can be no longer than 40 lines and single spacing is acceptable.

• Essays, Short stories and Life Experiences can be no longer than 8 pages and must be double-spaced and have page numbers.

• All entries must have a title page which includes the title of the work, sub-category and name of author.  The title page is not included in the page count.

• For judging purposes, the name of the author should appear only on the title page.

• The author should keep the original and submit a copy of the work which Cherokee/Clay Senior Games & SilverArts will keep.

• Criteria for judging; Creativity, Rhythm/Flow/Readability, Message conveyed by Words, Technique (grammar, style, appropriateness).

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Visual Arts submission info and requirements

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• An artist may submit a maximum of 3 entries per sub-category.

• The artist's name, title of entry and sub-category must be attached to the entry when submitted.

• All 2D Art must be properly framed, wired and ready to be hung and be no larger than 36" x 42", including the frame.

• Sculpture groupings can be no more than 3 pieces.

• For 2025, the Mixed media sub-category will be discontinued in its present form as it will be replaced by Mixed Media 2D and Mixed Media 3D.  All 3D pieces should be free-standing, able to be displayed in an area no greater than 3' wide x 3' deep x 5' high and must be attached to a base.

• No entry may be heavier than 50 lbs.

• Criteria for judging; Originality, Color, Eye Appeal, Perspective, Technique.

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Performing Arts info and requirements

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• An artist may only submit one entry per size of act in each of 2 sub-categories.

• Group sizes 

       For ALL sub-categories except CHEERLEADING, group sizes are: Soloists (who may be accompanied), Small         groups: 2 - 4, Large group 5 or more performers.                                     

       Cheerleading group sizes are: Small: 2 - 4, Medium: 5 - 9, Large: 10 or more performers

• Timings

       For ALL sub-categories except CHEERLEADING - performance is limited to 3 minutes. 

       Cheerleading time limit is 4 minutes. Exceeding the time limit will result in disqualification (State                             competition rules).  Timing begins with the first note of music or the first movement of the act.

• Props are the responsibility of the performer.

• Voice presentations must be live, although background music may use audio tapes or be accompanied.

• All performers, including accompanists must be over the age of 50 and must register as SilverArts participants, although and accompanist will not be counted in the number of performers.

• Criteria for judging; Technique (difficulty), Creativity (originality), Execution (skill), Presentation (showmanship).​