Coastal America is holding an ocean art contest for kindergarten - university level students. Participants are encouraged to use their creativity and artistic talent to express the importance of our oceans and coasts to you and the world. Winning artwork will be displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.

Entries must be original paintings, drawings, photographs or other visual art work created by the contestant. Only two dimensional works are accepted and cannot exceed 24"x36". Artwork should reflect one of the seven Essential Principles of Ocean Literacy outlined below. A narrative (not exceeding 150 words) explaining the artwork must accompany the work.

The Seven Essential Principles of Ocean Literacy:

Art work must reflect one of the Seven Essential Principles:
1. The Earth has one big ocean with many features.
2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of the Earth.
3. The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.
4. The ocean makes Earth habitable.
5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
6. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.
7. The ocean is largely unexplored.

Contest age groups are as follows:
Group 1: Grades K-2
Group 2: Grades 3-5
Group 3: Grades 6-8
Group 4: Grades 9-12
Group 5: College and University Students

As a member of Coastal America, the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is accepting art submissions. All works must be received by May 30. Participating schools are asked to select the top 10 works for each group. For more information, please see the attached file and/or contact Stefanie Misner at 910.458.8257 ext. 234 or via email at stefanie.misner@ncmail.net.

For more information, visit www.coastalamerica.gov.

Please pass this invitation to other teachers and students you think may be interested in participating. We’re hoping to have national winner from right here in North Carolina!