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Great Lawn

Join us for the 29th annual Art Alive! This contest invites participants to create living representations of famous works of art at the AKG for great prizes. These stunning replicas—often called tableaux—can be made using people, props, costumes, and your own creativity. Anyone can participate, including students, community groups, organizations, families, and individuals. 

Each year, participants are invited to take a closer look at the museum’s collection and the AKG's Public Art Initiative to select their tableaux. We are excited to see the community’s interpretation of our works! 

In celebration of One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama, there will be a category dedicated to works by Kusama in the museum's collection. 

More than $4,000 in prizes will be awarded to the creators of winning tableaux, though each entry is only eligible for one prize. Local judges will select the Best Tableaux from the Buffalo AKG’s Collection or AKG Public Art, Best Craftsmanship, and Most Creative Entry. These awards will be given in each category: Grades K–8, Grades 9–12, Individual: Adults, Individual: Kids, and Households/Community Groups. 

The museum invites the entire community to join this event to see the overwhelming creativity on display and vote for their favorite tableaux in the People’s Choice Awards. There will be music, art activities, and more to celebrate this special community event.

Interested in participating? Complete and submit the Art Alive entry form and get to work on your tableaux! The deadline to enter is Friday, September 5, 2025.  

All participating tableaux will receive a $100 gift card for participation and to defray tableau construction costs.