YWCA - Charleston, WV - eliminating racism empowering women

(Charleston, W.Va.) – Racism hurts everyone. And that’s why the YWCA of Charleston wants artists of all ages to address this important issue through art in their upcoming 2nd Annual 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. This year’s event will tie in with the national YWCA’s Stand Against Racism Day on April 30, which will raise awareness – both here in the Kanawha Valley and across the nation – that racism still exists in our communities and that it can no longer be tolerated.

“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 Executive Director Debby Weinstein. “An art contest and exhibit provides a wonderful and unique medium for creatively addressing this issue, and we are excited to host this event for the second year in a row.”

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 gives people of all ages a chance to express their views artistically, and we can’t wait to see this year’s 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 by a panel of three judges based on the piece’s creativity and representation of the theme: “Racism hurts everyone.” 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. Submission deadline is April 15.

An exhibit featuring all submissions will be displayed in the Clay Center main ticketing lobby April 27 - May 2, and will be free and open to the public. The Eliminating Racism Art Contest Open House will be held on Stand Against Racism Day – Friday, April 30 from 4:30 – 6:00 pm at the Clay Center, during which time the panel of judges will announce the winners.

For complete contest rules and submission forms, visit www.ywcacharleston.org or call (304) 340-3584. For information on how your organization can participate in Stand Against Racism Day (at no cost to you), please visit our website or call YWCA Racial Justice Program Coordinator Nell Fleming at (309*) 825-9133.