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KidsArt seeks young artists for Driftless Area Arts Festival
fvill lnding -buchner
'Mississippi Twilight at the Ferryville Boat Landing' by Lane Buchner

Young artists from throughout the Driftless Region are invited to exhibit their works in the upcoming Driftless Area Art Festival, September 20 and 21 in Soldiers Grove.

Invitations have gone out to art teachers across the Driftless Region for submissions to KidsArt Gallery for the 10th Annual Driftless Area Art Festival. In 2013, more than 400 young artists’ works appeared in the KidsArt Gallery tent, open throughout the two-day festival, and enjoyed by over 5,000 festivalgoers.

Elementary, middle, and home school students are all invited to submit art that they have created, either in their classrooms or at home. Each student can submit one art piece. Categories include drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photo-art or other art. All submitted art pieces will be exhibited.

A committee of artists will select a first-place award recipient from each of three groups: grades 1-3, grades 4-6, and middle school, and ribbons will be awarded during the festival. Each of the three winning artists will also receive a $30 purchase prize award for her or his piece, along with a framed reproduction of the piece. The three original art works will be sold at live auction during the Spring 2015 Art Festival gala, with the proceeds donated to the art programs in the young artists’ schools.

Elementary teachers will have until May 30 to indicate interest. Art works will be collected in early September.  There is no fee for entering. Questions can be addressed to Sharon Murphy at smm@fsmail.bradley.edu or 608-624-3409. 

The Teen Art Gallery invites high school artists to submit their painting, drawing and photography for exhibit and for chances to win cash awards or art supplies. A blue ribbon will be awarded in the painting and drawing category and a blue ribbon in photography. Each teen winner will receive a $50 check and art or photography supplies.  Two Honorable Mention award winners will receive ribbons and art supplies.

Teens are urged and invited to enter the Festival on their own at any time by filling out an artist form which they can get from their art teachers or by calling or e-mailing Anne Tedeschi at 608-675-3486 or tede@mwt.net, and there is no fee for entering.

“We also encourage teachers to respond and to support their teen artists in participating,” Tedeschi said. “It’s a good way to promote the talents of aspiring young artists.” The Driftless Area Art Festival, which features free admission and ample free parking, will take place in Beauford T. Anderson Park, Soldiers Grove. Scenes from KidsArt Gallery at earlier festivals, along with full details on this year’s festival and related events, can be seen at www.driftlessareaartfestival.com.