Art and Prose of Freedom Contest deadline extended

NORRISTOWN >> Students interested in participating in Montgomery County’s Art and Prose of Freedom Contest have a few more days to submit their entries.

Montgomery County officials pushed the deadline for the third annual contest highlighting the artwork, essays and poems of kindergarten through 12th graders, a spokesperson said Wednesday afternoon. While the contest’s deadline was initially set for April 7, officials sought to encourage further participation by extending it until 11:59 p.m. on April 30.

“We invite all students in Montgomery County public, private, parochial, or home schools to use their creativity and submit art that embodies hope, celebrates freedom, and inspires action for a better future,” said Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Jamila Winder, in a statement. “I hope that any parents, art teachers or English teachers can consider if any of their curricula dovetails with the contest theme.”

The 2024 theme was set to “Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow.” Participants can enter submissions in art, poetry and short essays based on elementary, middle and high school levels, according to contest guidelines.

Winners will then be selected across the three age categories, but all contest entrants will receive a certificate of participation. Winners are expected to receive $100 gift cards, and first place student work will be showcased at an upcoming Juneteenth Flag Raising event in June. More than 100 people participated in last year’s contest and eight winners were recognized during last year’s flag raising ceremony.

“This is our third year of hosting this contest, and each year I have been inspired and uplifted by our talented young students of Montgomery County,” said Montgomery County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Donna L. Richemond in a statement. “We want to encourage the county’s young artists, poets, and essay writers to use their talents to celebrate freedom and show what hope for a bright future looks like to them.”

Those entering the contest must complete and sign a student entry form and send it by mail, electronically or deliver it in-person with their submitted work. Visit montgomerycountypa. gov/4147/Art-Prose-of-Freedom-Contest-Guidelines to learn more.

Anyone with questions can call 610-278-1499 or email artandprose@montgomerycountypa.gov for more information.

RACHEL RAVINA — MEDIANEWS GROUP Montgomery County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chief Donna Richemond smiles as 8-year-old Melody Lian speaks about her artwork in the Art and Prose of Freedom Contest. Winners were recognized on June 15, 2023in Norristown.

RACHEL RAVINA — MEDIANEWS GROUP Winning submissions from the second-annual Art and Prose of Freedom Contest are displayed on June 15, 2023 in downtown Norristown.