For Immediate Release
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Contact: Leni Stern 301-809-3068

Bowie Arts Committee Sponsors Annual Poster Contest

As a way of providing art opportunities for Bowie youth, the City of Bowie Arts Committee holds an annual Poster Contest. Students in grades one through 12 are invited to create posters related to this year’s theme, “Bowie: Cradle of Thoroughbred Racing in America.”

Belair Stables was one of the premiere racing stables from the 1930’s through the 50’s, with a rich history of Thoroughbreds all the way back to Colonial times. This was home to Gallant Fox and Omaha, father and son horses that won the Triple Crown, Nashua, horse of the Year in 1955, and many other race horses. Until it closed in 1957, Belair was the oldest continually operated farm in the United State (with a history extending over 250 years), raising race horses. This earned Bowie the title of “Cradle of Thoroughbred Racing in America.”

Students in grades one through 12, who reside in a community with a Bowie zip code or who attend a school located in Bowie, are encouraged to create posters that reflect any aspect of horses. Posters may illustrate history, famous horses raised in Bowie, horseback riding, racing, shows and/or other activities involving horses. Paints, colored pencils or other similar medium, in a two-dimensional design will be accepted.

Posters submitted must be 12” x 18,” as this is the size that fits in the frames in the Young Person’s Art Gallery, where winning posters will be displayed during the month of July. Student’s name, address, school, grade, age, phone number and parents’ email address must be on the back of each poster. Posters must be turned in to City Hall, 2614 Kenhill Drive, Bowie, Maryland, Room 203, by Friday, April 25th, 2008. Posters will be judged by local artists and Arts Committee Members, with final approval by the Bowie Arts Committee. Winning posters will receive ribbons. Certificates and prizes will be awarded at a reception for winning artists and their families, which will be held this summer.

A special opportunity is being provided this year. Some of the posters submitted will be displayed at the Belair Mansion and/or the Belair Stables during the month of May, including Heritage Day, Sunday, May 18, 2008. We will notify students whose posters are selected to be included in this exhibit.

Prizes:
1st Prize - $25
2nd Prize - $15
3rd Prize - $10

Prizes will be awarded to artists in each of these groups:

1st and 2nd grades 7th and 8th grades
3rd and 4th grades 9th thru 12th grades
5th and 6th grades

For more information, contact Leni Stern, Arts Committee staff liaison, at 301-809-3068, lstern@cityofbowie.org.