Calling All High School Artists: McDonald's Wants Your Artwork For Black History Month

Detroit-area McDonald’s restaurant owners are pleased to honor Black History Month in 2014 with the return of McDonald’s Celebrates Black History Moments on Canvas, an exciting art contest aimed at local high school students.

The contest, now through Dec. 20, invites metro Detroit youth living in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, Livingston, Monroe, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties to submit original works of art that capture a significant moment, event or figure in African-American, African or African Diasporan history. Submissions can include paintings, drawings, jewelry, pottery, fabric, mixed media or sculptures.

“McDonald’s is proud to create programs that inspire and educate youth about the wonderful heritage and contributions of African-Americans,” said Jon Campbell, Detroit-area McDonald’s restaurant owner. “Our 2013 inaugural program showcased the diverse talent and creativity of many local students and we look forward to seeing this program grow in 2014 as we celebrate Black History Month.”

A panel of judges, including art and history experts, will select fifty semifinalists during the first round of judging. The field will be narrowed to 12 finalists whose work will be featured in a month-long gallery exhibit in February 2014 at the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art in midtown Detroit. The finalists will receive a combined total of nearly $5,000 in cash prizes with the first place winner’s teacher also receiving a cash prize. 

The top three winners will be announced at the gallery, 52 E. Forest Ave., Detroit, during a special private event on Jan. 31, 2014 when the 12-artist exhibit will be unveiled and prizes awarded before a crowd of local business and community leaders.

Contestants must submit a photo of their artwork and an entry form by visiting www.BlackMomentsOnCanvas.com. All entries must be uploaded to the website or postmarked by Dec. 20, 2013. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. 

“We have many talented youth in metro Detroit and the McDonald’s Celebrates Black History Moments on Canvas art competition is a wonderful tool that taps into that creativity,” said George N’Namdi, owner of the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art. “Our gallery is proud to host an exhibit that inspires local students to use their individual artistic expression to explore African-American history.”