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National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Announces 2018 Picture Freedom Art Contest

CINCINNATI, OH – The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is now accepting entries for its Fourth Annual Picture Freedom Art Contest — a nationwide student art competition sponsored by Toyota. Picture Freedom challenges students to create works of art capturing America’s struggle for inclusive freedom and equality.

The Picture Freedom Art Contest was developed by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to encourage students to draw connections from the Underground Railroad to the Civil Rights Movement to the modern day fight against slavery. The contest provides students with a unique opportunity to learn about America’s struggle for freedom and human rights in an engaging way. To become better acquainted with freedom’s heroes in person and online, students also have access to online resources and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s extensive collection of historical resources and exhibitions.

“Art has the power to express ideas, emotions, conflicts and aspirations,” says Tara Riley, Interim Director of Museum Experiences at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. “The works we have received and exhibited from across the country are thoughtful and impactful. We are thrilled to be able to continue the contest and uplift the voices and artistic talents of our nation’s youth.”

Entries from students, grades 9-12, will be accepted through May 18, 2018. Judging of entries will take place on June 1, 2018 and the winners will be announced on June 5, 2018. An awards ceremony recognizing the Picture Freedom finalists will take place at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on July 14, 2018. The winning artworks will be featured in a special exhibit on display beginning July 2018 in the museum’s second and third floor galleries. The 2018 Picture Freedom Art Contest is sponsored by Toyota.

The grand prize winner of the contest will receive a $3,500 scholarship. The second place winner will be awarded $2,000, and the third place winner is awarded $1,000. Hotel, flight and food accommodations are also included for the top three winners to visit Cincinnati for the opening of the Picture Freedom exhibition which will showcase their work. Picture Freedom finalists, places 4 – 12, will receive $100 each.

Visit freedomcenter.org/picturefreedom for more information on rules and entry forms.