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It’s time for artists to come forward

The search for artists to be honored in the fifth annual “”Celebration of Iowa: Agriculture Art Award” competition is underway.

The contest is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. Entries are due by July 1 and must be original works. Those artworks deemed winners by a panel of judges arranged for by the Iowa Arts Council will be displayed at the State Historical Museum from August through October, according to information just released by IDALS. There will also be cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

The competition accepts entries from people of all ages. To encourage budding young artists to submit their works, there is a Youth Division open to participants age 17 or younger. The superb creations of youthful artists have been a high point in years past and seem almost certain to be an outstanding part of the 2016 contest.

Information about this event including details regarding required artwork specifications can be obtained at www.iowaculture.gov or by contacting Veronica O’Hern at veronica.ohern@iowa.gov.

“This exhibit has enjoyed great success over the past four years,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said in a statement issued in late March. “We look forward to seeing what Iowa artists submit this year.”

His enthusiasm was echoed by Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie.

“The diversity and beauty of our land has been honored through art since the beginning of our state’s history,” she said.

Celebrating the beauty of the Hawkeye State and the important role of agriculture in the economic and cultural life of Iowa is a commendable pursuit. In past years, the talent shown by our state’s artists has proved to be exceptional and inspiring.

The Messenger applauds this superb competition. We look forward to seeing the new artwork that will be generated as a result of this year’s call for entries.

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