(Charleston, W.Va.) – What does a world without racism look like? That’s the question the YWCA of Charleston wants artists of all ages to answer in the upcoming YWCA Eliminating Racism Art Contest. Kindergarteners through adults are encouraged to submit their artwork in a community-wide effort to promote education and awareness about diversity and tolerance.
The YWCA of Charleston is leading this effort in partnership with the Clay Center as part of the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. The art contest idea arose several months ago during a discussion of hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. Day awareness event.
“Eliminating racism is an integral part of our mission, and we believe it is crucial to get children and adults alike involved in discussing issues of race and diversity,” stated YWCA Marketing Director Laura Jordan. “We thought that an art contest and exhibit would provide a wonderful and unique medium for creatively addressing this issue.”
R. Lewis Ferguson, Director of Art and Science Education at the Clay Center, acknowledged that the Clay Center is very excited to be partnering with the YWCA on such a significant project.
“Although great strides have been made, racism continues to be a problem that plagues our society,” Ferguson stated. “This project will give people of all ages a chance to express their views artistically, and we can’t wait to see the entries.”
Any 2-dimensional piece of artwork no larger than 11” x 17” is eligible for submission, including (but not limited to) paintings, sketches, posters and photography. Artwork will be judged based on the piece’s creativity and representation of the theme by a panel of three judges, including an area artist, YWCA Board Member and Eliminating Racism Committee Chair Hallie Dunlap and Clay Center Lead Educator Kayte Brannon. First- through third-place winners from each age category will receive prizes, and the overall “Best in Show” will be featured on the cover of the spring YWCA newsletter.
The top 10 submissions in each category will be displayed Wednesday, February 11 through Sunday, February 15 in the Clay Center ticketing lobby during regular Clay Center operating hours, and will be free and open to the public. All other submissions will be displayed at the YWCA of Charleston during this time and will also be free and open to the public.
The Eliminating Racism Art Contest Open House will be held Thursday, February 12 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm in the Clay Center main lobby, during which time the panel of judges will evaluate submissions and announce the winners. A light hors d’oeuvres reception will take place immediately following the open house from 5:00 - 6:00 pm at the YWCA on Quarrier Street for all artists, families, friends and supporters.
For complete contest rules and submission forms, visit www.ywcacharleston.org or call (304) 340-3584. Submission deadline is January 30.
The YWCA hopes that together, we can paint a picture of a world without racism.