Attention Students: Oakdale Discovery Center Awaits Art Submissions

Oakdale Parks and Recreation officials are ready for some art submissions.

The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a "Youth Art Contest" in honor of the (ODC) fifth-year anniversary. Students in sixth to 12th grade are invited to particpate in the contest. Entries are due Sept. 24 and the awards event will take place on Oct. 11. 

As the anniversary approached, the department started brainstorming engaging ways to celebrate the anniversary. 

"We just want to see what the younger people can do," said Deb Ramsey, the Parks and Recreation administrative assistant and ODC art gallery coordinator. "They aren't always aware if they have that ability, so we want to help make them aware."

Participants must base their entry on the theme "Discovering Oakdale." Other requirements include:

• Entries shall be no larger than 8 1/2" x 11"
• Paintings, drawings or photography
• Entries must NOT be framed
• Art must be labeled with artist's name, address and grade
• Artist must agree to display their art in the Discovery Center's Art Gallery during the month of October as well as allow the artwork to be used for promotional purposes.

There is a grand prize of $250 plus two first-prize winners for sixth through eighth grades and ninth through 12th grades.

"I'm hoping to get a lot of interest and the perspectives of the younger generation," Ramsey said. "I want to see how they think about the city and how they perceive it." 

Ramsey has not received any submissions since the contest began last month, but she expects to receive several entries once school begins. 

Participants must include this form with their entry.