For young artists, recognition can be the encouragement they need to continue to pursue their artistic goals. The Ah Haa School does its part to shine the spotlight on our community's younger artists through its fourth annual Youth Art awards, available to regional middle and high school students (sixth grade and up), in private or public school or those being home schooled.

"Ah Haa recognizes regional students for their creativity by awarding them the opportunity to study at the Ah Haa School," said marketing director Denise Dugan. "This year we will award two first place winners – one middle school student and one high school student – gift certificates to Ah Haa for $150. We have also added an additional grand prize award of one free class at Ah Haa, including tuition and materials, to the student who exemplifies the most passion for the arts."

Submissions are judged on originality and the desire of the artist to be an art award recipient, which illustrates the cornerstone of the school's philosophy: that desire is just as important as ability. At Ah Haa, the hand works in conjunction with the heart.

Winners will be announced and honored Nov. 11 at Ah Haa's annual Birthday Party celebration between 4 and 6 p.m. In addition to free classes, winners will be featured in local newspapers and in the Ah Haa schedule. They also will receive a gift certificate for framing donated by Gallerie Framing.

Entries should include the two-sided application form available at Ah Haa, accompanied by three works of art in any medium for judging. Artwork and applications can be dropped off at the Ah Haa School at 135. S. Spruce. The contest welcomes students with a sincere interest in creative writing or the visual arts, including photography, film/video, ceramics, fabric arts, drawing, painting, printmaking, bookmaking, or any other medium.

Former award winners include Anita Albanese, Ruby Siegel and Robin Putnam in 2002, Larissa Millard, Parker Thompson and Fiona Thompson in 2003, and McKenzie Bronson, Robin Putnam and Lilly Sullivan in 2004.

"Ah Haa encourages those who have applied before to apply again," said Dugan. "If we see applicants who have applied before, it shows a real desire to be an award recipient."

For more information, contact the Ah Haa School at 728-3886.