VFW Ladies Auxillary accepting art submissions for contest

Young artists who express their artistic vision in a patriotic theme could earn money for college.

VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post No. 8242 are accepting submissions from Yuma County artists that could eventually win substantial money for college scholarships, said Libby Westphals, co-chair of the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Awards.

"Last year, we had 25 pieces of art and we're hoping to receive even more this year. The more the better."

Art work advancing to the national finals later this spring can earn a top prize of a $10,000 scholarship. Other scholarships will be awarded as follows: second place $5,000; third $2,500; fourth $1,500; and fifth through 8th place, $500 each.

"It's a big opportunity, and even a small scholarship helps," Westphals said.

All art work must be original and be either a painting or ink drawing, Westphals said. Art must be submitted to Post No. 8242, located at 7120 Highway 95. All art will be returned after judging in the first week of April, except the winning entry of the district.

There are three other auxiliaries in Yuma District 1. The winning entry then competes with 10 other districts in the state. The top entry then goes on to compete nationwide with the 50 other states and Washington, D.C.

But the top art work selected in Yuma can also earn cash prizes from Post No. 8242. First place wins $100, second $75, third $50, and fourth $25. All art must be submitted by March 31 to qualify. A panel of judges from Post No. 8242 will select the outstanding entries and notify successful participants by mid-April.

Art work may be a scene from an American historical event but all entries must depict the patriotism of its subject, Westphals said.

"Last year we had a beautiful piece produced in pen and ink. It was not a portrait but showed a Marine and what he was going through at the time."

All Yuma high schools have received information packets explaining the details of the competition. If additional information is required, people could go online to www.ladiesauxvfw.org. Click on "scholarships" from the drop down menu under "programs." Then click on "creative patriotic art." They may also call Westphals at 345-3054.

"I think it's important students learn about the history and patriotism of the U.S. and submitting their art will help improve their knowledge. I think it's very good students start thinking about college and why the U.S. is the most developed industrialized nation today."