PORTLAND – The Maine Center for Creativity is calling call for entries for its Art All Around international design competition. The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of up to $30,000 and the winning design will be painted on 16 of the most visible tanks, including tops, at the Sprague Energy Corp. tank farm in South Portland.

The goal of the project is to underscore the importance of creativity as a driving economic force for Maine.

Participants of all ages, backgrounds and locations are invited to submit designs showing how the tanks could be transformed to celebrate their prominent location and status as a gateway to Maine. To enter, contestants simply download four views of the tanks and upload their finished designs.

The deadline for entries is June 25. Complete rules and entry forms can be found online at www.artallaround.com.

A diverse panel of judges will select five semifinalists to come to Portland and present their concepts late this summer. Criteria for judging will include artistic excellence, originality, creative expression and practical application to the Sprague Energy tanks. Emphasis will be placed on how well the design is integrated into Maine’s scenic surroundings.

The five semifinalists will receive a monetary award of $7,500 and be eligible for up to an additional $2,500 stipend for other costs and travel. The grand prize winner will be awarded an additional $20,000.

Professional contractors will paint the winning artwork on the tops and sides of eight tanks and the tops of an additional eight. The painting phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2011, depending on weather.

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