October 14, 2020
Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Michelle Henry, ADA Coordinator, Department of Community Resources and Services, 410-313-6431
Entries must be received by no later than 11:59 p.m., Monday, November 30th
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is seeking entrees for the County’s Department of Community Resources and Services and Commission on Disabilities Art Contest, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Passed in 1990, this landmark piece of legislation guarantees people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in all aspects of American life.
“We are excited to debut this contest as part of our ongoing celebration of the ADA’s 30th year. Howard County has long been a national example of accessibility, and as we continue to support the disabled community, we always aspire to do more,” said Ball. “This anniversary reminds us of the incredible progress we can make as a community, and a nation, when we work together and support one another.”
The theme for this year’s contest is “ADA30. Disability. Equity. Inclusion. One County. Accessible to All.” Submitted artwork must showcase some aspect of the contest’s theme and must be an original piece. Contestants may enter up to two pieces of art, which may by either a sketch, etching, drawing or painting done in any medium of the artist’s choosing or a digital creation or photograph that does not depict recognizable human subjects or models. Entries will be evaluated based on originality, interpretation of subject matter/theme, creativity and overall appearance.
Contestants will be judged in one of the following four categories: Pre-K 3 through 5th grade; grades 6th through 8th; grades 9th through 12th; or adults, age 18 and older. First and second place winners in each category will receive $200 and $100, respectively. Complete contest rules and entry form can be found online at www.howardcountymd.gov/ADA.
All artwork and entry forms must be received by no later than 11:59 p.m., Monday, November 30th. All entries must be emailed to cod@howardcountymd.gov with “ART CONTEST” in the email’s subject line; entries submitted by mail will not be accepted due to COVID restrictions.
Contest winners will be announced on Friday, December 18th. Winners will be notified prior to the announcement by email and phone.
For questions and/or more information about the contest, contact the Commission on Disabilities at cod@howardcountymd.gov.