‘Legend Award’ provides cash grant and exhibition opportunity for student visual artists

Maybe, if the Legend Award for High School Artists had been around in Vincent Van Gogh’s time, the Dutch painter would have sold more than just one painting in his lifetime!

Staten Island high school students in grades 9-12, with designs on a career in the visual arts, can apply for a cool opportunity to exhibit their masterpieces — plus receive a cash prize — thanks to a new partnership between the Legend Business Group, and the Council on the Arts and Humanities for Staten Island to help budding artists with their painting, drawing, sculpture and installations.

The accolade is meant to foster creativity in teens while encouraging them to follow through with their artistic dreams, said Legend Business Group President Sharon Voto, who conceived the award.

“It’s our way to recognize the talents of local, young visual artists,” said Voto, “And give them the financial support to help them achieve their goals.”

Entries will be judged on creativity, skill and ambition by a panel of arts professionals, and five finalists will be selected by Voto to exhibit their work at the Legend Business Group Showroom.

One of them will win the grand prize of $500, and the first and second runners-up will receive $250 and $100.

Students should submit an application letter, including details about their aspirations and how they plan to spend the grant, in addition to a work sample, to the Council on the Arts and Humanities for Staten Island office by Feb. 1, 2012. The awards will be announced at a public ceremony in April 2012.

Mail applications to: Council on the Arts and Humanities for Staten Island, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building G, Staten Island, NY 10301, Attn: Monica Valenzuela.

For more information, contact Monica Valenzuela at [email protected] or at (718) 447-3329 x 1004, or visit www.statenislandarts.org or www.facebook.com/coashiteens.

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