Students from first through 12th grade will compete for prizes from laptops to cash in Project Safe Neighborhoods’ "Draw Against Gang and Gun Violence" poster contest in October and November.
As part of its ongoing work to create an environment that improves the safety and security of all Virgin Islanders, Project Safe Neighborhoods is encouraging students to submit original works of art that contain a message against gang violence and crime — for example, "More Family Time Means Less Gang Crime," "Stop the Gang Violence," "put the guns down," "Federal Time for Gang Crime," "Federal Time for Gun Crime," or a similar message.
The art can be drawings, paintings or computer graphics done in conjunction with school art programs or on a student’s own. They will be judged on originality; creativity; concept; and layout. Judging will be by members of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts and law enforcement.
Nine finalists will be chosen: three each for elementary school grades 1 to 5; middle school, grades 6 to 8; and high school grades 9 to 12. All finalists will receive netbook computers worth $350 each.
The winning artwork will be displayed on posters at businesses, schools and public outlets throughout the territory and will be forwarded to Project Safe Neighborhoods headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Entry forms and contest rules are available online at www.drawagainstgunviolence.com and at public and private schools in the territory. There is no fee for entering.
The deadline for entries is Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. Mail artwork to: Draw Against Gun Violence, C/O Chamber of PO Box 324, St. Thomas, VI 00804. You can also email digital media, according to the posted contest rules. The contact is Lou Lambert at lou@lambertmedia.com.
