Education, Fun In Store For Budding Artists

Young Pennsylvania students are invited to learn about aviation and express their creativity through the PennDOT Bureau of Aviation's annual art contest.

"One of Governor Tom Corbett's primary focuses is educating our future leaders to be ready for the jobs of tomorrow," said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. "Through this contest, our future transportation leaders can get a better understanding of the crucial role that this industry, which supports about 300,000 Pennsylvania jobs, plays in our overall transportation system."

This year's contest theme, "50 Years of American Space Flight," encourages students to learn more about aviation, from airplane development to flights into space. Entries will be judged in two divisions: first through third grades, and fourth and fifth grades. Entries must be postmarked by Nov. 29. There will be 22 statewide winners, with one winner from each division selected from each of PennDOT's 11 district offices. Winners will receive a certificate signed by Schoch and an enlarged copy of their entry. The students' schools will also receive an enlarged copy of the artwork for display.

Artwork should be submitted on 8.5-by-11-inch or 9-by-12-inch paper, unframed, unmatted and unlaminated. All work must be done by hand (there is an exception for children with physical challenges). Permitted formats are: acrylic, oil paint, felt-tip pens, indelible ink, soft ballpoint pens, watercolor or crayons. Formats that are not permitted include: non-permanent media such as pencil or charcoal, computer-generated artwork and collage work using photocopies.

The back of each submission should include the student's name, teacher's name, grade level, county and school address and phone number. Entries will not be returned. Winners' schools will be notified by telephone.

Send entries to: Bureau of Aviation, c/o William Sieg, 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA 17120 or P.O. Box 3457, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0064.

FMI: www.dot.state.pa.us