Budding artists in Bay Area high schools could win the opportunity to have their work displayed on an art tour and outdoor murals through Coca-Cola’s “Art of Harmony” Competition.
Coke will have a booth at the To Life! Street Festival displaying the current three winning pieces by Northern California students. With a theme of “living in harmony,” the contest is held in seven U.S. cities, including San Francisco. Last year’s winners include students from Overfelt High School in San Jose, St. Francis High School in Sacramento and San Mateo High School.
The competition is designed to encourage and reward the artistic talents of students in grades nine through 12, with winners receiving U.S. Savings Bonds and cash awards, as well as exposure for their work.
In addition, the educator with the most student entries receives a computer and software for the classroom. The total value for prizes for students and teachers is approximately $14,000.
The Art of Harmony tour showcases pieces from the Bay Area (three winners and nine honorable mentions) in public places such as local libraries, museums, malls and business centers. The works also are displayed on a national level at the Coca-Cola Company’s worldwide headquarters in Atlanta and may be displayed at The World of Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta.
Information and entry forms will be available at Coke’s To Life! booth. High school students can also call the Art of Harmony toll-free number (888) COKE-ART to request that an entry kit be sent directly to their art teacher. “Coca-Cola” imagery and/or trademarks are not required to be depicted in any entry or submission.
The competition begins this fall, and the deadline to enter is Dec. 2. A panel of judges comprised of local artists, art educators, community and business leaders, elected officials and Coca-Cola representatives will select the winners in January 2006. The winners will be announced and awards presented at a winners’ reception next spring. Selected artists will then be commissioned to replicate the winners’ works as murals on outdoor walls.
Students can use any medium: paint, markers, airbrush, stained glass, sculpture, photography, computer graphics and mixed media.