EXCITEMENT BUILDS IN VALLEY-WIDE ART CONTEST FOR KIDS/TEENS

As April 30 cutoff approaches, online gallery showcases 120 artists

(HUDSON VALLEY) - Young artists from Brooklyn to Bangall, a slightly smaller hamlet in Dutchess County, have been sending their inspired creations to Scenic Hudson's "Art in the Park" contest for children and teens throughout the Hudson Valley. With more than 120 drawings, paintings and photos submitted to a special online gallery, Scenic Hudson is still hoping for more entries before the Monday, April 30, deadline for the free contest.

HOW, WHEN AND WHAT KIND OF ART TO ENTER
Register online at www.scenichudson.org to submit an artistic rendering of a Scenic Hudson park or other Hudson River scene. The Web site has details about contest rules and prizes. Photography, painting, sculptures, sketches, etc. are all acceptable mediums. Completed artwork can be submitted in the form of a digital scan or photograph.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED AND PRIZES AWARDED AT SPECIAL EVENT
All participants and their families and friends are invited to Scenic Hudson's annual River Champion Reception on Sunday, May 20, where contest winners will be determined. The reception will be held at a spectacular Poughkeepsie riverfront location to be announced later. Grouped by five different age ranges (pre-K, grades K-2, grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12), the artwork will be judged by a panel of experts. First, second and third prizes will be awarded at the reception. Prizes will be an assortment of age-appropriate art supplies.

ONLINE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD OPEN TO THOSE UNABLE TO ATTEND EVENT
For artists who are not able to attend this event, a People's Choice vote will occur online for all submitted artwork. People's Choice prizes will be given for each of the five age groups. You don't have to be a participating artist to vote for your People's Choice winners, and votes will be accepted through Friday, May 25. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 30.

"We're greatly excited by the interest we've received from local schools, community groups and arts organizations. Scenic Hudson is all about connecting more and more people to the beauty, power and inspiration of the Hudson River, and this contest is a great way for kids and families to get into that experience," said Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson.

"There's a wealth of imagination and talent among the kids of the valley, and we want to present a showcase for it. The Web site is really fun because even if you're not a participating artist, you can enjoy the gallery of submissions and even vote for your favorites for the People's Choice winners," added Mr. Sullivan.