ASHEBORO — Do you like drawing trees? Would you like to win a prize for drawing something to express why trees are so beautiful and important?
Then enter an art contest for youth sponsored by The Courier-Tribune and TreesNC.
Prizes will be awarded for first-, second- and third-place winners in four age categories — 6 years old and under; 7-10 years; 11-12 years; and 13 years and up.
Youth are asked to submit their art on paper, with a minimum size of 5 by 7 inches and a maximum size of 11 by 17 inches. They may use any media — water color, oil, pen and ink, crayon chalk, even macaroni — as long as the art is about trees.
Entries should be dropped off at Books-A-Million at Randolph Mall, 1437 E. Dixie Drive, Asheboro. Deadline for submission is March 8.
The winners will be selected and recognized in a ceremony at Randolph Mall on March 22, from 4-6:30 p.m. Their work will also be featured in an upcoming issue of Get this!, The Courier-Tribune’s weekly entertainment magazine.
In 1967, the N.C. General Assembly designated the first Friday following the 15th of March as N.C. Arbor Day to emphasize the importance of trees.
According to the proclamation, trees help reduce the erosion of precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate temperatures, clean our air, produce life-giving oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife. They are also a renewable resource, providing paper, wood for homes, fuel for fires and countless other wood products.
In cities, trees increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas and beautify our communities. Trees are also a source of joy and spiritual renewal.