NOTE: April 30, 2012, deadline on the form is for the international competition. All entries must be delivered to the City of Stillwater Community Center by April 2, 2012, to qualify for the local competition. The local winners will be submitted to the international competition by the Stillwater Sister Cities Council.
(STILLWATER, OKLA. / Feb. 10, 2012) — For more than 20 years the Sister Cities International (SCI) Young Artists/Authors Showcases has recognized outstanding artistic efforts by youth who reflect its mission of promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.
Stillwater Sister Cities Council has sponsored the SCI showcases since the beginning. Over the years, many local artists/authors have been among the top ten international winners. In 2010, Olivia Spears Fletcher (artist) and Robyn Konicki (author) both received international recognition.
The 2012 theme is "Youth as the Catalyst for Change." Artists/authors may illustrate/write about an experience with social media, how you are creating change in your community, or how global communication and exchange has had an impact on your life.
Eligibility:
Participants must be between 13 and 18 years of age on April 30, 2012.
All entries, with completed entry forms, must be received on or before 5 p.m. Monday, April 2, 2012, by the Stillwater Sister Cities Council located in the City of Stillwater Community Center at 315 W. 8th Ave.
There is no cost to the students to participate.
The Stillwater Sister Cities Council will pay all entry fees to Sister Cities International for the winning entries.
Young Artists:
Only two-dimensional artwork, no larger than 24" x 30" (60cm x 75cm), is accepted.
All 2D media is eligible.
The council will select one art entry, which will receive a $100 cash award, and it will be entered in the international competition.
From the 10 winning works, one U.S. artist and one international artist will be selected as overall winners.
The two overall winners will receive $1,000 and complimentary registration to the Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida in July 2012, where the Showcase will be exhibited.
Judging will take place in late May, and winners and finalists will be announced in early June.
Young Authors (Two categories: Essays and Poetry):
Personal essays are not to exceed 500 words.
Poetry is not to exceed 25 lines.
All entries must be typed in English.
Judges will also evaluate entries on theme interpretation, composition, and grammar. Entries must not be plagiarized, stolen, or copied from any other source and must not defame or invade the rights of any person.
One essay and one poetry winner will be selected from the local competition in each category (essay or poetry). Both authors will be awarded a $50 cash prize, and entered in the international competition.
International Awards
1st Place U.S. Personal Essay - $1,000
1st Place U.S. Poem - $1,000
1st Place International Personal Essay - $1,000
1st Place International Poem - $1,000
Winning pieces will be published on the Sister Cities International website and displayed at the Annual Conference in Jacksonville, FL.
The four overall winners will also receive complimentary registration to the SCI Annual Conference.
For information, contact the City of Stillwater Community Center, 315 W. 8th Ave., at (405) 533-8435 or e-mail sgudgel@stillwater.org.
