CINCINNATI, OH (April 10, 2017) – The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is now accepting entries for its Third Annual
Picture Freedom Art Contest —a nationwide student art competition sponsored by Toyota.
Picture Freedom challenges students to create works of art capturing America’s struggle for inclusive freedom and equality beginning on April 10.
The Picture Freedom Art Contest was developed in 2015 by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to encourage students to draw connections from the Underground Railroad to the Civil Rights Movement to the modern day fight against slavery. The contest provides students with a unique opportunity to learn about America’s struggle for freedom and human rights in an engaging way. To become better acquainted with freedom’s heroes in person and online, students also have access to online resources and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s extensive collection of historical resources and exhibitions.
"We are thrilled to see the work these talented students will offer as they show us their interpretation of freedom and equality,” says Tara Riley, Manager of Educational Initiatives at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. "Through their artworks, students will understand that our actions today are shaping history."
Entries from students, grades 9-12, will be accepted through June 9, 2017. Judging of all entries will take place on June 19, 2017 and the winners will be announced on June 30, 2017. An awards ceremony recognizing the Picture Freedom finalists will take place at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on July 29, 2017. The winning artworks will be featured in a special exhibit on display beginning July 2017 in the museum’s second and third floor galleries. The 2017 Picture Freedom Art Contest is sponsored by Toyota.
The grand prize winner of the contest will receive a $3,500 scholarship. The second place winner will be awarded $2,000, and the third place winner is awarded $1,000. Hotel, flight and food accommodations are also included for the top three winners to visit Cincinnati for the opening of the Picture Freedom exhibition which will showcase their work. Picture Freedom finalists, places 4 – 12, will receive $100 each.
Visit freedomcenter.org/picturefreedom for more information on rules and entry forms.