Cash, gallery exhibit among prizes for 12 Metro Detroit winners
BRIGHTON — Detroit-area McDonald’s restaurant owners are celebrating Black History Month with an art contest featuring a Black History theme, and prizes including cash and a gallery exhibit, aimed at local high school students.
“McDonald’s Celebrates Black History Moments on Canvas” officially kicks off this week and asks metro Detroit high school students to submit original works of art that capture a significant moment, event or figure in African American, African or African Diasporan history.
A panel of judges, including art and history experts, will select 12 finalists who will win a two-week gallery exhibit to showcase the Black History series at the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art in midtown Detroit. The winners will receive a combined total of nearly $5,000 in cash prizes. The first-place winner’s teacher also will receive a cash prize.
“Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Black History Month are a significant time of cultural celebration in the metro Detroit African-American community,” said McDonald’s restaurant owner Jon Campbell. “We want our customers and neighbors in the community to know that we recognize the hard work and accomplishments of people of African descent, and we’re doing it in a fun way for young people that uses art as a tool for expression and learning.
“We’re committed to providing opportunities that engage youth and promote the importance of education.”
High school students living in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties are eligible to enter the contest and can pick up an entry form at participating Detroit-area McDonald’s restaurants and online at www.BlackMomentsOnCanvas.com. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.
Contestants must submit a photo of their artwork and an entry form by visiting the contest website or by mail for the first round of judging. All entries must be uploaded to the Web site or postmarked by Feb. 14. Fifty semifinalists will be chosen for the second round of judging and asked to deliver the actual works to the gallery by Feb. 20 for a chance to be picked as one of 12 finalists.
Winners will be announced at the gallery, 52 E. Forest Ave., during a special private event on Feb. 28 when the 12-artist exhibit will be unveiled and prizes awarded before a crowd of local business and community leaders.
“Art has always served as a representation of the history of its time, and it is an important aspect in a student’s development,” said gallery owner George N’Namdi. “The students in the McDonald’s series will be documenting today’s history by expressing their impressions of Black History. McDonald’s art contest lends itself not only to enhance creative thinking, but is also a tool that can be used to view and access the world.”
For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com