PORTLAND – Maine College of Art invites entries from Maine middle and high school students for the annual Scholastic Art Awards, a regional art competition for grades seven to 12. An exhibition of student work will take place Jan. 6 to 21 throughout the college’s Porteous Building. The awards ceremony will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21.

The college is one of 90 regional sponsors for the nation-wide art event, which attracts over 250,000 entries from students around the country. The awards have provided an avenue for young arts to receive recognition since 1923. The program acknowledges emerging artists by providing cash awards and college scholarships.

Students must contact their art teacher to enter. Each teacher will select three pieces for the competition and exhibition. Artwork must be hand-delivered to the Porteous Building at 522 Congress St. from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, or from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.

For more information about rules and requirements, contact Shannon Chisholm at [email protected] or call 879-5742, ext. 247.

The event will also be the venue for the selection of the Maine Congressional District Art Awards. One high school student from each of Maine’s two congressional districts will be chosen to represent the state in a year-long exhibition of art work in the Congressional Hall in Washington, D.C. To learn more about the college, visit www.meca.edu.