Press Release: 2017 T-shirt Design Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2017

 

BRONX ARTS EDUCATION NON-PROFIT, ARTSMITH, HOSTS FIRST DESIGN CONTEST TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR THE NEED FOR ARTS IN EDUCATION

Bronx culture ambassadors and local businesses team up as judges for the “street art” themed contest to highlight how art enriches youth and communities

Bronx, New York (September 26, 2017) – Artsmith, Inc. will host their first annual design contest this fall. The event, with its inspired “street art” theme, will run from 9/27/17 to 11/22/17. The contest, which has drawn the attention of notable Bronx businesses and entrepreneurs seeks to highlight the artistic and urban influences that have shaped the Bronx and New York City and influenced culture around the world. Youth and adults, local and nationwide, are invited to participate.

“Change is a collaborative effort. Even though we are a Bronx youth serving organization, we know our efforts can’t stop at the students we serve inside our four walls. This contest is a way to include people across the country in the conversation about the importance of arts in education for youth in the Bronx and similar communities,” said Tricia Smith, president and founder of Artsmith, about the contest. The winners will be announced at the organization’s Art Party in mid-December. T-shirts with the winning designs will be made available for sale with proceeds supporting the organization whose programs are free for all students that attend.

Contest judges include the mastermind behind Bronx Fashion Week, Flora Montes, Jérôme LaMaar, owner of 9J, luxe fashion boutique in the South Bronx, fashion blogger Diego “Dandy in the Bronx” León, and Anthony Ramirez, co-founder and CEO of From the Bronx, a Bronx-themed t-shirt and merchandise retailer.

The theme of street art resonates deeply with Bronx natives as the history of graffiti and other forms of expression such as hip-hop and breakdancing have roots in the borough. This event and all programs hosted by Artsmith aim to teach Bronx youth to respect and express themselves, build confidence, develop their scholastic aptitude, and foster an appreciation for others.

“This contest will be an excellent outlet to showcase the talent that is engrained in Bronx youth. As our borough continues to grow and change, giving our youth opportunities to show their stuff not only gives us a platform for them to be celebrated and encouraged to progress, it also allows us a sneak peek into what we can look forward to for our future,” said contest judge, Uriah Johnson, Deputy Director of Westchester Square Business Improvement District. “I really love the organization’s mission to introduce more arts programming to Bronx-based children and families.”

All U.S. residents are eligible to participate. Judges will choose 10 finalists. Two winners will be chosen with the help of public vote: one adult and one youth (17 years or younger).

About Artsmith, Inc.: Artsmith is providing quality arts education programming to Bronx youth from ages 6-18, inspiring them to dream beyond the image that is often presented to them about who they will and can become. Artsmith is a 2017 Citizens Committee for New York City Neighborhood Grant awardee.

For more information visit https://artsmith.org/contest2017/.

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Contact:
Tricia Smith
Artsmith President / Founder
(718) 709- 9044 x704
[email protected]