Camp Pio Presents

CAMP PIO ART COMPETITION

Theme: “Courage with Christ, Remembering Our Saints”

Remembering Our Faith Heroes

On November 1st, our church celebrates the Feast of All Saints, and on November 6th, we celebrate the Feast of All the Saints of Ireland. Throughout November, we remember all Holy Souls and take time to honor those who handed on our faith to us, particularly during challenging times.

We especially celebrate inspirational local figures like Bishop Daniel Delany, who was born in Paddock near Mountrath in 1747 and founded the Brigidine Sisters and Patrician Brothers—marking and celebrating 280 years since his birth in Co. Laois—alongside our beloved patron St. Fintan of Clonenagh. Children are warmly invited to research these holy men and women and create artwork inspired by their courageous lives!

Competition Categories & Eligible Saints

Submissions will be assessed within three distinct age categories:

Category A (Category 1)

Ages 5 – 7 (or 5 – 8 years)

Artists pick either:

St. Brigid
or
St. Patrick
Drawing or painting of the saint or a story from their life.

Category B (Category 2)

Ages 8 – 11 (or 9 – 11 years)

Artists pick either:

St. Brigid, St. Patrick,
or
St. Columba (Colmcille)
Research Ireland's three great patron saints and depict their faith and courage.

Category C (Category 3)

Ages 12 – 15 years

Artists pick either:

St. Fintan of Clonenagh
or
Bishop Daniel Delany
Celebrating 280 years since Bishop Delany's birth in Paddock, near Mountrath.
Artwork Specifications & Media
  • Accepted Media: You may use any traditional artistic media, including drawing, painting, crayon, pencil, pastel, textile art, or watercolour.
  • Canvas / Paper Size: Artwork must be on A3 size paper or canvas (strictly no bigger than A3).
  • Authenticity: Artwork must be the original, hand-crafted work of the entrant. Digital or AI-generated submissions will not be accepted.
  • Entry Form: Please securely attach your completed competition entry form to your artwork.
  • Expression: You may submit either a portrait of the saint(s) or a portrayal of a story related to their life and virtues.
Submission & Collection Locations
  • Please submit your artwork before Sunday, December 6th, 2026 into designated collection boxes located at:
  • St. Fintan's Church, Ballyfin — Eircode: R32 TD61
  • St. Fintan's Parish Church, Mountrath — Eircode: R32 X338
  • The Sacred Heart Church, The Hollow — Eircode: R32 X763
  • Local Schools: Available for collection in local participating schools.
  • Camp Pio Event: Entries will also be accepted at this year's Camp Pio Advent with St. Francis Camp on Saturday, November 21st, 2026 at Bloom HQ.
Key Dates to Remember
  • Opening Date: November 1st, 2026 (Feast of All Saints)
  • Closing Date: Sunday, December 6th, 2026 (Feast of St. Nicolas)
  • Presentation Night & Exhibition Opening: Friday, January 29th, 2027 at Bloom HQ, Mountrath
  • Public Exhibition: The winning pieces will be showcased throughout the whole month of February 2027 at Bloom HQ.
Winners, Prizes & Exhibition
  • 20 Winners in Total: There will be 3 winners in each category and 20 winners overall!
  • Generous Prizes: Each winner will be presented with a generous hamper of art supplies or vouchers.
  • Exhibition at Bloom HQ: Bloom HQ, Mountrath, Co. Laois, have generously provided winners with the exciting opportunity to have their work exhibited during February 2027.
  • Framing: If you are notified as a winning paper entry, parents/guardians will be asked to supply a frame of choice prior to the exhibition evening.
Research Resources for Entrants

Children are encouraged to explore the lives of our venerables, blesseds, and saints using these helpful video links:

Saints Video Guide 1 Saints Video Guide 2 Saints Video Guide 3

Official Competition Documents

Click on either document to view it in full in a new browser tab:

Official Guidelines

Camp Pio Art Competition – Terms of Reference

The full terms of reference document including judging criteria, age breakdown, artwork presentation guidelines, collection points, prizes, and Bloom HQ exhibition details.

Official Poster

Camp Pio Art Competition – November 2026 Poster

The colorful competition poster with theme branding, patron saints, categories, and key dates.

View Poster (PDF) in New Tab