Pierce County Library Launches Writing and Art Contest

Teenagers throughout Pierce County may show their creative talents in Pierce County Library System’s Teen Writing & Art Contest – Our Own Expressions, which runs now through Friday, March 2.

“We look forward to receiving entries from the talented authors and artists of the future,” said Neel Parikh, executive director for the Library System. “Teenagers express themselves in amazingly creative ways, and the contest gives them the chance to get published and earn cash prizes.”

The Library System will publish all of the winning entries in books and distribute them throughout Pierce County Libraries and to the winning students’ schools. Pierce County Library Foundation will award cash prizes of $50 to $100 in three age groups: 7th and 8th grade, 9th and 10th grade, and 11th and 12th grade; and in four categories: poetry, short story, photography and drawing.

Now through Friday, March 2, teenagers in 7th – 12th grades, who live in or attend school in Pierce County, may enter the contest, individually or as a team. Participation is free.

Teens may get entry forms and enter the contest at any Pierce County Library or online at www.piercecountylibrary.org, search site: OOX. Teenagers may also submit entries by mail to Pierce County Library System, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446-2215. Students may use computers at Pierce County Libraries or their school library to download the entry forms and submit their entries.

Judges will review writing entries on the basis of originality, style, general presentation, grammar, spelling and evidence of skill appropriate for the writer’s age. They will review art entries on the basis of composition, evidence of skill commensurate with the age of the artist, creativity and effective use of media.

Contest winners will feature their work in an awards ceremony at Pacific Lutheran University on Thursday, May 24.

In 2011, teenagers submitted nearly 1,000 entries in the Our Own Expressions contest. 

The News Tribune, Pacific Lutheran University and Print NW help fund the contest.

Information provided by Pierce County Library System.