Watsonville, CA, April 18, 2017 – Less than two weeks remain for youth artists to enter West Marine's second annual World Oceans Day Art Contest. Through Saturday, Apr. 29, schoolchildren ages 5-12 and 13-18 are invited to submit their original artwork inspired by the 2017 World Oceans Day theme, "Our Oceans, Our Future."
In early May, a team of West Marine judges will choose one winner in each age category, and the two winning pieces of artwork and their artists’ signatures will appear on fun, innovative “pieceless” puzzles, which will be available for purchase at the world-class Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT, and in select West Marine stores across North America. Each winner also will receive a $250 West Marine gift card as a special thank you.
This annual contest allows young artists to explore the World Oceans Day theme while experimenting with a variety of media and techniques, including painting, drawing, printmaking and digital illustration. It also will raise much-needed funds for West Marine’s nonprofit BlueFuture program.
“All proceeds from puzzle purchases between June 5 and 11 will support our BlueFuture grants, which we award to youth-based organizations that are dedicated to providing children with access to the water in a variety of recreational and educational capacities,” says Lindsey Johnson, West Marine’s Director of Communications. “We look forward to this contest each year, and we can’t wait to see how the 2017 World Oceans Day theme inspires these young people to express themselves.”
To enter the contest, a parent or guardian may simply help their young artist fill out the online submission form, which can be downloaded at www.westmarine.com/worldoceansday, and then mail that to West Marine, along with the original artwork.
World Oceans Day Art Contest submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, Apr. 29, and winners will be announced prior to June 1.
For more information about the contest and to submit an entry, visit http://www.westmarine.com/worldoceansday To learn more about West Marine's 2017 BlueFuture grants, and for detailed information about the company's BlueFuture initiative and how you can help, visit www.westmarine.com/BlueFuture
Each person has a unique connection to the water. At West Marine (westmarine.com, NASDAQ: WMAR), our knowledge, enthusiasm and products prepare Waterlife adventurers to foster that connection and explore their passions. With more than 250 stores located in 38 states and Puerto Rico and an eCommerce website reaching domestic, international and professional customers, West Marine is recognized as a leading Waterlife Outfitter for cruisers, sailors, anglers and paddlesports enthusiasts. Since first opening our doors in 1968, West Marine associates continue to share the same love for the water as our customers and provide helpful advice on the gear and gadgets they need to be safe and have fun.
