Governor Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett Announce 'Lucky Dog Art Contest' for Kids

Pennsylvania youth are invited to participate in the 2013 "Lucky Dog Art Contest," which aims to illustrate why dogs are "man's best friend."

The canine-themed art contest is part of "Second Sundays" at the Governor's Residence, a series of free events scheduled every second Sunday from June through September. Each event highlights a specific theme and features outdoor, family-friendly activities.

The winning artwork will be displayed at the Governor's Residence on Sunday, Sept. 8, as part of the final "Second Sunday" event of the summer and will be featured on the First Lady's website.

"The 'Lucky Dog Art Contest' provides an opportunity for young artists across the commonwealth to showcase their creativity, imagination and artistic talents," Mrs. Corbett said. "As dog lovers, the governor and I are looking forward to seeing how participants portray their passion for their pets."

The contest is open to Pennsylvanians 18 years of age and under. A panel of five judges composed of leaders in the arts community and canine-related organizations will select the winning artwork for each age group.

The age groups include:

• Primary: Up to age 7
• Intermediate: Ages 8-10
• Middle School: Ages 11-13
• High School: Ages 14-18

Artwork should be mailed to:

Pennsylvania Office of the First Lady
"Lucky Dog Art Contest"
2035 N. Front St.
Harrisburg, PA 17102

All entries must be postmarked by Aug. 23, and must be accompanied by a "Parental Consent/Participation Form."

For more information, including the contest rules, visit www.firstlady.pa.gov .

Media Contact: Kirsten Page, Governor's Office, 717-783-1116
Ashley Mostek, First Lady's Office, 717-787-1965

Editor's Note: The contest rules are as follows:

1. Content Description:

The "Lucky Dog Art Contest" is part of "Second Sundays" at the Governor's Residence, a series of free, family-friendly events held each second Sunday from June through September. The purpose of the art contest is to illustrate why dogs are "man's best friend."

2. Technical Requirements:

All artwork must be original, two-dimensional and submitted on paper that is 8.5" x 11" in size. Artists may use any medium, including but not limited to markers, paint, charcoal, pastels and crayons. Computer generated graphics will not be accepted. Nothing three-dimensional (beans, noodles, dog biscuits, etc.) may extend off of the surface of the artwork. The name of the artist, age and telephone number must be printed legibly on the back of the artwork.

Because the contest encourages individual creativity, help from another person(s) is not permitted. Only one artist will be recognized as the award recipient for each entry.

All entries by minors must be submitted with a consent form signed by a parent or guardian. Please note that artwork submitted for the contest will not be returned.

3. Contest Eligibility:

All Pennsylvania youth and eighteen (18) years of age and under are eligible to participate in the contest. Only one entry per person will be accepted.

4. Contest Deadlines:

The contest will officially begin on Wednesday, July 31, 2013. All artwork must be postmarked by Friday, Aug. 23, 2013.

5. How to Enter: All entries should be mailed to:

Pennsylvania Office of the First Lady
"Lucky Dog Art Contest"
2035 N. Front St.
Harrisburg, PA 17102

6. Criteria for Judging:

All entries will be judged on originality, creativity and interpretation of the contest theme. Artwork will be grouped according to age. Generally, each age group will have one first place winner and one honorable mention. Age groups are as follows:

Primary: Up to age 7
Middle School: Ages 11-13
Intermediate: Ages 8-10
High School: Ages 14-18

A panel of five judges comprised of leaders representing the arts community and canine-related organizations will select contest winners. All decisions of the judges are final.

7. Contest Winners

The parent or guardian of contest winners in each age group will be notified by telephone on or before Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013.

• Contest winners will receive a "Certificate of Recognition" from Gov. Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett.
• Winning artwork will be featured on First Lady Susan Corbett's website. (www.firstlady.pa.gov)
• Winning artwork will be displayed at the "Second Sundays" Open House at the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. (Please note that the event is free, open to the public and reservations are not required.)

8. General Rules. By participating in the "Lucky Dog Art Contest," participants agree to be bound by these contest rules. All material submitted becomes the sole property of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and will not be returned. This agreement is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

9. Media Activity. By participating in this contest, participants agree and hereby grant the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania permission to use, copy, modify, distribute and publicly display their contest submission for any purpose, such as, but not limited to, press and media communications, without any compensation.

Participants agree to participate in any media or promotional activity regarding the contest and agree to the release of their contest entry form, including their personal information contained therein, and agree to waive any and all rights they may have to the confidential maintenance of this information, including any rights that might exist under local, state, federal law, rule or order.

10. Limitation of Liability. By participating in this contest, participants, entrants and winners agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, its agencies, employees and agents from any liability whatsoever for any claims, costs, injuries, losses, damages, or expenses of any kind arising out of or in connection with the contest or with acceptance of any prize (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to, loss or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation, or portrayal in a false light).

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor