Gingerbread, But Make It Art!
A Creative Holiday Challenge at BAGA!
Who says gingerbread has to be a house?
This holiday season, Bismarck Art & Galleries Association (BAGA) invites businesses, artists, and families to get creative with Gingerbread, But Make It Art!, a unique gingerbread art challenge held in conjunction with our 25th Annual Cookie Walk on Saturday, December 5, 2026.
We’re challenging participants to think beyond the traditional gingerbread house and transform gingerbread, candy, and other edible materials into imaginative works of art!
Build a miniature masterpiece, recreate a famous work of art, construct a North Dakota landmark, sculpt something extraordinary, or dream up something completely unexpected.
This is an art challenge, not a baking competition! Creativity, imagination, and artistic expression are what matter most. You don’t need to be a professional artist or an expert baker to participate!
Ready to Get Creative?
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Choose your division and join the fun!
Business Division — $200
Bring your team together for a little friendly competition! Businesses, organizations, and professional teams are invited to showcase their creativity while supporting the arts in our community.
Whether you’re a construction company, design firm, local business, or organization looking for a unique team-building activity, we’d love to see what your team can create!
Participating businesses will have their names and logos displayed alongside their creations.
Artist Division — $20
Calling all artists! Step outside your usual medium and turn gingerbread into your next masterpiece.
Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, or creative professional, this is your chance to explore a deliciously different art form.
Family Division — $15
Make some holiday memories together! Gather your family, roll up your sleeves, and create something wonderful.
Traditional gingerbread houses are welcome, but we encourage you to let your imaginations run wild!
Gingerbread kits are allowed as a starting point, provided your finished creation includes significant original design and decoration.
Business Sponsorship Opportunity — $500
Want to take your support of the arts a step further?
Become a Gingerbread, But Make It Art! event sponsor for $500.
Sponsorship includes a competition entry, if desired, along with enhanced recognition through event signage, promotional materials, social media, and other event communications.
Businesses may also sponsor the event without submitting a gingerbread creation.
Important Dates
December 1: Registration deadline
December 4: Completed gingerbread creations due at BAGA
December 5: Cookie Walk, Gingerbread Gallery, and People’s Choice voting
December 5–9: Gingerbread Gallery open for public viewing
December 10: Gingerbread creation pickup
All entries must be completed in advance and delivered to BAGA by Friday, December 4.
Competition Rules at a Glance
We want to encourage creativity while making sure every entry can be safely displayed in the gallery.
Size: Entries must fit on a sturdy base no larger than 12″ x 12″.
Edible Materials: At least 80% of the visible creation must consist of edible materials.
Gingerbread: Gingerbread must be a significant and recognizable part of the creation.
Structural Supports: Limited concealed non-edible supports are permitted.
Originality: Entries must demonstrate original design and creativity. Commercial kits may be used as a starting point.
Lighting: Battery-operated lights and moving elements are welcome. No cords, flames, or heat-producing elements.
Delivery: All entries must arrive fully assembled and ready for display by December 4.
Entries will not be tasted or consumed.
Please review the complete rules before registering.
Awards & Recognition
This isn’t your typical gingerbread competition! We’re celebrating imagination, creativity, and a little holiday magic.
All entries, regardless of division, will have the opportunity to receive special recognition in fun categories such as:
Gingerbread Masterpiece Award – For a creation that wows with its overall artistry and originality.
Most Creative Concoction – For an imaginative, unexpected, or wonderfully unusual creation.
How Is That Even Gingerbread?! – For a creation that pushes the boundaries of what gingerbread can become.
People’s Choice Award – Let the community decide! Cookie Walk visitors can vote for their favorite creation on December 5.
Award categories and the number of awards presented may vary based on participation.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a business team, or a family having fun together, everyone has a chance to be recognized.
We’re celebrating creativity, not perfection!
Visit the Gingerbread Gallery & Vote!
You don’t have to enter to join the fun!
Stop by BAGA’s 25th Annual Cookie Walk on Saturday, December 5, from 10 AM to 2 PM to see the gingerbread creations on display and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.
The Gingerbread Gallery will remain on display through Wednesday, December 9.
Come admire the creativity, support local artists, and enjoy one of BAGA’s sweetest holiday traditions!
Location
Bismarck Art & Galleries Association (BAGA)
422 E. Front Avenue
Bismarck, ND
Questions? Contact BAGA for more information about participating or sponsoring this event.
Push the limits. Be imaginative. Have fun.
A gingerbread house is welcome—but a gingerbread masterpiece is even better!