For Immediate Release

Judiciary Hosts Student Art Contest to Promote Peacemaking

(ANNAPOLIS, Md. – September 15, 2015) Young artists are being asked to help promote peacemaking in the Maryland Judiciary’s 10th annual Conflict Resolution Day Student Bookmark Art Contest. The contest for Maryland students in grades K-8 helps celebrate national Conflict Resolution Day, which is Thursday, October 15, 2015.

Students are invited to create bookmarks based on the theme of resolving or preventing conflict. Topics can include peer mediation, talking things out, apologizing, respecting differences, solving problems together, listening, tolerance, building peace, or alternatives to violence.

Submissions will be judged on creativity and message. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place in three age groups: grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. For each age group, the prize awards will be $75 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place. In addition to the prizes, six of the nine winning entries will be printed as bookmarks that will be distributed throughout Maryland to promote conflict resolution.

The contest, sponsored by the Maryland Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO), has become increasingly popular since it began in 2005. Last year, more than 2,000 students from across Maryland participated in the contest.

The students whose entries are awarded prizes will be invited with their families to a ceremony and reception in their honor at the Judiciary Education and Conference Center in Annapolis on Tuesday, November 17. Mary Ellen Barbera, Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals, will meet with the students and families and present the awards. The best 1,000 entries will be displayed in the conference center in November and December.

Submissions are due by Thursday, October 15, which is Conflict Resolution Day. MACRO’s website, www.mdcourts.gov/macro, includes a template that may be used for original artwork submissions. Any other paper format may also be used. The finished image size must be no larger than 3 inches high by 9 inches wide. Student artwork should be labeled, either on the back of the entry or on the label provided in the template, with the following information:

--the student’s name, age, and grade
--school or program name, if applicable
--teacher’s or parent’s name and email address
--address where the artwork can be returned after the contest is complete

Do not fold entries. Mail or deliver entries to Alecia Parker, MACRO, 2001 Commerce Park Drive, Suite C, Annapolis, Md., 21401 no later than October 15, 2015. Mailed entries must be postmarked no later than October 15, 2015.

For more information about the Conflict Resolution Day Student Bookmark Art Contest, contact Alecia Parker, 410-260-3540, or [email protected].

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