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Youth Leather Art Competition: "The Show Must Go On!"

Youth Leather Art Competition: "The Show Must Go On!"

$25.00 USD
$25.00 USD
Sale Sold out

A Vegas-Inspired Celebration of Young Creativity 

From dazzling dance numbers and circus acts to magical illusions and musical legends—Las Vegas has always been a city where the curtain rises on the unexpected. This year, young leather artists are invited to channel that showtime energy into a piece that celebrates performance, imagination, and spotlight-worthy flair. 

Age Divisions:

  • Division 1: Ages 12 and under
  • Division 2: Ages 13–18 

Theme: “The Show Must Go On!” 

Inspired by the glitz, glamour, and over-the-top creativity of Las Vegas shows—from the high-flying acrobats of Cirque du Soleil to the timeless charm of Elvis and the sparkle of showbiz costumes—entries should capture the magic of being on stage. 

Ideas include: 

  • Stage animals (lions, doves, horses)
  • Acrobats, clowns, dancers, or circus performers
  • Music-themed pieces (guitar picks, microphones, notes)
  • Costume elements like cuffs, feathers, tooled leather masks
  • Neon lights, starbursts, or spotlight shapes
  • Icons from magic shows, musicals, or old Vegas legends 

Pieces can be realistic or abstract, serious or silly—just bring the showtime spirit to life in leather! 

Online entries are open from July 1st-December 20th, 2025

Three judges will independently and separately score each entry based on a universal score sheet. All contestants will receive their score sheets via email after the show.

Pieces must be at the Southwest Leather Masters Competition registration desk at the SOUTH POINT by 5pm Wednesday, January 8th for judging and will remain on display until 5pm Saturday, January 10th.

  • In-person delivery will be Wednesday, January 7th from 9am-5pm.
  • If shipping your item entry, it must arrive on or before Friday, January 2 to be eligible for judging. Please ship entries to:
    • IllumEvents
      Attn: Savannah
      95 W Main Street
      Salina, UT 84654
  • If you WILL NOT be present to pick up your entry on Saturday, January 10th at 5pm, please include a RETURN SHIPPING LABEL and any special instructions.

Pieces can be for sale during the competition. Contestants are responsible for all sales.

  • IllumEvents Las Vegas will not take any sales commission. 

Rules

Eligible Entries:  

Any small-scale leather project that fits the theme: 

  • Tooled or painted leather panels (8"x10" max)
  • Keychains, bookmarks, or jewelry
  • Mini props or costume accessories
  • Wearable flair like cuffs or belts 

Material Requirements: 

  • Leather must be the main material used
  • Paint, dye, fringe, gems, glitter, hardware, and mixed media allowed but leather should be the star of the show 

Original Work:  

  • Must be made by the youth (help with safety is okay, but no co-crafting)
  • Must be stage-ready—clean, finished, and ready for display 

Awards 

The Southwest Leather Masters Competition Awards Ceremony will be held at 4pm on Saturday, January 10th in the IllumEvents Las Vegas tradeshow area. 

Each registered tradeshow attendee will cast one vote towards the People’s Choice Award which will be awarded a prize package. 

Please make sure you understand the rules and guidelines as entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. Also be sure to study the judging sheet for a full understanding of what will be judged in the competition.  

 

Image courtesy of SM Custom Leather

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