Arts contest open to youth
Artwork, poetry will highlight coastline

The California Coastal Commission invites students in grades kindergarten through 12 to enter the 2008 California Coastal Art and Poetry Contest.

Arts and poetry must have a California coastal or marine theme to be eligible. The contest aims to encourage youth to reflect on the beauty and spirit of the state's beaches and oceans and gain a sense of stewardship for these natural resources.

Winners will be selected in both art and poetry in each of four grade-level categories: K to three, four to six, seven to nine and 10 to 12.

Winners will receive a $100 gift certificate to an art supply or book store. Each winner's teacher will be given a $40 gift certificate for educational materials.

All entries must include an entry form.

Call (800) 2627848, email coast4u@coastal.ca.gov or download the forms from www.coastforyou.org to obtain contest guidelines and entry forms.

Contestants who need guidelines and entry forms may also write to California Coastal Commission Art and Poetry Contest, 45 Fremont St., Ste. 2000, San Francisco, CA 94105.

All entries must be postmarked by Mon., Jan. 31.

View previous winners at www.coastforyou.org.