About the Forensic Sketch Artist Contest
As a companion program to CSI Arizona, we invite all artistically talented 7th – 12th grade students to submit a forensic sketch based on the provided witness statements for judging in this statewide competition.
All drawings will be evaluated, and each artist will receive a certificate of participation. A state winner will be announced and invited to the CSI Arizona State competition, where they will receive their award during the closing ceremony. Submitted illustrations may also be used in local news releases, statewide publications, and posted on our websites.
To register, each contestant must complete a Forensic Sketch Artist registration form and submit it along with their sketch prior to March 30, 2026. To participate, each contestant must download the provided witness statements that will be used to create a facial composite sketch. Full submissions (registration form + hard copy of sketch) must be received at the Foundation office by the deadline; late submissions will not be accepted. Only one submission per student will be accepted. Download the registration form and follow the instructions for submission.
If you prefer to drop off your submission in person, please coordinate a time with Foundation staff by emailing
Rules
- All court artists must observe all rules regarding ethical conduct for the CSI Arizona Program.
- Sketches must be created and completed solely by the artist submitting the sketches for judging without help from any outside sources.
- The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or computer-generated images is forbidden.
- Sketches must be created and completed on paper that is 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
- Sketches must be black-and-white, and any dry medium may be used.
- No color is permitted.
- Artists must supply all their own materials.
- Because these pictures may be reproduced, they need to have strong enough line value and shading to be seen clearly once scanned.
- Submissions will be scored based on accuracy, detail, and clarity.
- Submissions must come from a teacher at the student’s current school. Student submissions will not be accepted.
- Submissions must be mailed to the Foundation office (ATTN: LRE Team, 4201 N 24th St, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85016) and must be sent flat. Submissions must be received by the deadline.
- Only one submission per student will be accepted.
- Any submissions received outside of these requirements will not be accepted.
Note:
All entries become the property of the Arizona Bar Foundation and may be used by the Foundation for whatever purpose is deemed appropriate. A panel of judges will judge sketches based on accuracy, detail, and clarity. The winner will be notified at the same time as the CSI Arizona State Competition team invites are released. An overall state winner will be announced and will be invited to attend the state competition where they will receive an award during the closing ceremony.
**If you would like your photo, school, and full name included, a media release form is required. Without it, we will list only your school, first name, and last initial.**