PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The VFW Auxiliary District 1, which covers all of Aroostook County, announces the kick-off of its annual Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest.
Local students in grades 9-12 are invited to compete for $21,000 in national scholarships and submit patriotic-themed artwork by March 31.
Students must submit an original piece of artwork on paper or canvas, using watercolor, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen-and-ink or oil. Digital art and photography are not accepted. The artwork must have been completed during the current 2017-18 school year and must include a teacher’s signature.
Students begin by competing at the local VFW Auxiliary level. The first-place winner from each chapter will advance to district competition (if applicable), with district winners advancing to the state competition. State first-place winners will compete for their share of $21,000 in national awards.
The national first-place winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship. National first- through eighth-place winners are featured in VFW Auxiliary Magazine and on the organization’s website. All state winning entries will be displayed and judged at the VFW Auxiliary national convention.
The Auxiliary began the patriotic art contest in 1979 to recognize up-and-coming artists and encourage patriotism in youth. Approximately 3,500 students participate each year, and in addition to national awards, local and state chapters throughout the country award more than $100,000 in scholarships each year.
Student entries must be submitted to the District 1 Auxiliary by March 31. For more information, contact Lisa Michaud at 227-8844 or 764-3866.
