The Waimea Arts Council announces a call for entries for the 26th Annual Na ‘Opio Junior Juried Art Show held in March 3 - April 9, 2010. Youngsters, grades 6 through 12, from these Big Island districts: North Kohala, South Kohala, and Hamakua, are encouraged to submit entries during February. The aim of this annual show is to promote and encourage talent among the students of these North Hawaii districts. Competition is based on grade level rather than between schools. Paintings, drawings, sculpture and ceramics are welcome. Entries will be judged using five criteria: originality, visual balance, visual clarity, personal expression and execution of the medium. Each student may enter one piece. Art must be original, completed during this school year, and it must not have won any previous prize or award in any other competition. Art submitted must be ready to hang; framed, matted, or mounted to cardboard; size may not exceed 28”x 28” for two-dimensional art, 18”x18”x18” for three-dimensional art. Art should be delivered to the Firehouse Gallery, on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Entry forms will be available at the Firehouse Gallery. Parents or guardians must sign forms. Awards will be presented at a reception for artists, judge, family members, and art teachers at the Firehouse Gallery on Saturday, March 6, 2010, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend and support these young artists. The show will be on display from March 3 through April 9 in the Firehouse Gallery.

The Firehouse Gallery, a project of the Waimea Arts Council, is located in the old firehouse, the red building within the historic corner at the main stoplight and crossroads in Waimea. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. subject to the availability of the volunteer docents.

The Waimea Arts Council is a 501(3) c non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the arts, the encouragement of artists, and the provision of a forum for art-related community events. Anyone wishing to support the arts in North Hawaii through the Waimea Arts Council please call 887-1052 for more information, or visit the website at www.waimeaartscouncil.org. All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.