"There are more valid facts and details in works of art than there are in history books," said Charlie Chaplin, the famous “Little Tramp” from silent film’s golden age. Art has always reflected the era in which it was created, which is why this year’s theme for the third annual Arts for Education All County Youth Art Contest is “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” This theme has been chosen to reflect the sense of history in Rutherford County. The 2011-2012 year marks the 100th anniversary of MTSU, the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, and the 200th anniversary of the founding of Murfreesboro.
Once again the Business Education Partnership Foundation of Rutherford County and Nissan North America will co-sponsor the contest. The juried contest is open to all K-12 students. The goal of this competition is to enhance awareness of the arts in Rutherford County, honor student creativity, and to provide an understanding of the importance of creativity in business and learning.
Art work entered in the contest does not have to directly relate to any historical event, but must show a sense of a theme. Art work submitted will be judged by local art professionals. Pieces will only be judged against other pieces in the same category and grade level classifications. There are several different categories which include paintings, drawings, collage, mixed media, photography, digital illustration, fiber, jewelry, and pottery.
First through third place winners will receive a special trophy as well as a cash prize. Honorable Mention recipients will receive a certificate of appreciation. All entries will be displayed in the Murfreesboro City Hall Rotunda and winning entries will land a spot in the BEP’s Calendar for 2013. The winning pieces will also be available for purchase at the Arts for Education event on February 24th, 2012.
Funds raised from sales of the winning art will be used to provide impactful professional development programs for teachers focusing on creativity, math, and science and their use in business and industry. It will also help raise funds for BEP/Nissan Teacher Mini-Grants.
The Business Education Partnership Foundation is a 501©3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing business leadership and knowledge that aids in the creation of real world related educational experiences for students, counselors and teachers of the public schools of Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County to help bring relevance to curriculum.
Deadlines for art submissions are December 2, 2011. The contest application can be found at www.rutherfordbep.org/programs/arts-for-education/index.php.
For additional information on how to enter the Arts for Education All County Student Art Contest, please contact BEP through email at lrennick@rutherfordchamber.org or jfitzgerald@rutherfordchamber.org and via phone at (615) 278-2008.
