Society for the Performing Arts is Now Accepting Entries for the 16th Annual Student Visual Art Contest

Society for the Performing Arts (SPA), Houston's leading performing arts presenter, is pleased to announce that entries are now being accepted for its 16th Annual Student Visual Art Contest sponsored by Wells Fargo. SPA's Visual Art Contest offers ALL kindergarten through 12th grade students in the greater Houston area and beyond a chance to showcase their talents and win prizes, while learning more about the performing arts. The deadline for entries is Monday, March 17, 2014.

This year's contest theme, Power of Positive, is inspired by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan and its performance of Songs of the Wanderers on April 5, 2014 at Jones Hall. Choreographed by Lin Hwai-min, Songs of the Wanderersis a visually stunning tribute to spiritual pilgrimage. The work creates a world of intense reverence that is distinctly Asian in its imagery, yet with powerful relevance far beyond. Artwork with a distinctive Asian quality or characteristic is not required, but successful entries will incorporate the theme, Power of Positive, and the design elements of a mandala.

Through the creation and display of artwork centered on positive thinking, right action and collective impact, this year's contest encourages students to investigate their role in the world, envision solutions to personal issues and global problems and connect to the larger community. With the assistance of art educators and/or parents, young artists entering the contest should explore the positive attributes he or she brings to his or her family and community; identify challenges faced by friends and neighbors and illustrate how an individual's thoughts and actions lead to progress and resolutions.

All submitted artwork will be judged on creativity, skill and interpretation of the theme Power of Positive. Works on paper, including photography, are permitted with a maximum size of 16 in. x 20 in. Entries may be matted or un-matted. SPA requires one entry per student and one artist per entry. Students may submit artwork themselves or teachers may submit students' artwork on their behalf. Please include the following information on the back of the artwork: title of work, student's name, grade, address, telephone number and e-mail, as well as the school name and address, teacher's name, telephone number and e-mail.

Visual Art Contest entries may be delivered in person or mailed to Society for the Performing Arts; Attention: Education Department; Jesse H. Jones Hall; 615 Louisiana St.; Suite 100; Houston, TX 77002.

Winners will be notified by Friday, March 21. Senior contest winners will be awarded scholarships in various amounts. One "Artistic Excellence Award" will be given to a graduating high school senior and includes the Viola Scholarship of $1,000, sponsored by Mary and Miguel Espinosa in loving memory of Viola Davis Rosson. A "Special Merit Award" will also be given to a graduating high school senior and includes the Jake Scholarship of $750, sponsored by Dinah and H. Michael Sultanik, in loving memory of K.E. "Jake" Jacob.

First place winners for each division will receive a scholarship to the Glassell Junior School, MFAH. All winners, including the honorable mention recipients, will receive tickets to a performance provided by SPA. For more information regarding SPA's 16th Annual Student Visual Art Contest sponsored by Wells Fargo visitspahouston.org/creativity or call 713-632-8112.

About Society for the Performing Arts

Founded in 1966, Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) is the largest independent non-profit presenting organization in the Southwest. Since its inception, SPA has sponsored more than 1000 performances of the world's finest music, dance and theater events, in adherence to the belief that the arts are fundamental to the overall enrichment and quality of life within the community. In addition to presenting artists, SPA seeks to provide a variety of learning experiences for adults and children through master classes, lectures and special student performances, as well as build relationships between the performing arts and other interests within the greater Houston area and throughout the state of Texas.