Student artists in the Comox Valley are encouraged to get their submissions in to the provincewide Earth Day Show and Competition.

Talented, artistic youth are being asked to showcase their impressions of environmental issues through art.

鈥淭he environment is just one of the important issues that our bright and enthusiastic young people are engaged in,鈥� says Comox Valley MLA Don McRae. 鈥淚n addition to awarding cash prizes to these talented youth, this competition will give them a stronger voice on the environmental protection and conservation issues that matter to them.鈥�

The 2011 Earth Day Art Show and Competition offers $3,500 in total prize money. Participation is open to all Grade 9 to 12 students currently enrolled in a B.C. secondary school, public or private.

Cash prizes are $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.

A panel of three members from B.C.鈥檚 arts community will jury submissions through the Arts Council of Surrey.

The panel will consider an entrant鈥檚 background research, content sophistication and technical skill.

Newton Cultural Centre in Surrey will exhibit the top 50 artworks throughout April 2011 and host a gala on Earth Day, April 22. Teachers interested in having their students compete must confirm their participation by Jan. 28. All artwork must be submitted by March 11 to: Sullivan Heights Secondary School, 6248 鈥� 144th St., Surrey, BC V3X 1A1.

To confirm participation and learn more details about the competition, visit www.artscouncilofsurrey.ca/index.htm or e-mail Marc Pelech at pelech_m@sd36.bc.ca.

鈥� MLA Don

McRae