FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2007
CONTACT: Molly Dannenmaier
Director of Marketing and Public Relations,
409-765-7834
molly.dannenmaier@galvestonhistory.org

Deadline for Entry Extended to Tuesday, July 10

“Art on the Spot” Contest at Texas Seaport Museum Will Bring Together Area Artists of All Ages in Competition for Cash Prizes

Original Works Created between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 14, Inspired by Galveston Harbor and the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, Will Be Judged in Three Age Categories.

A one-day contest for young, emerging and accomplished artists will temporarily close public access to the Texas Seaport Museum (TSM) on Saturday, July 14, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The second annual “Art on the Spot” contest offers pre-registered participants ages 8 and up the opportunity to compete for cash prizes.

Sponsored by the ELISSA Maritime Society, the contest offers three $1,000 first prizes and three $500 second prizes, donated by Bill and Pat Broussard. Artists compete with original works done on the spot, using the ELISSA and Galveston Harbor as inspiration.

“Art on the Spot” is a modern-day revival of an Italian Renaissance tradition, called il concorso di macchie, or “competition of rough sketches or quick paintings.” During the Renaissance, artists who wanted their work known to the public and potential patrons would come together around a single subject for a fixed period of time. Their work would be judged and prizes awarded.

For TSM’s 2007 version of the concorso, contestants are grouped as “Young Artists,” ages 8 to 12,“Emerging Artists, ages 13 to 20, and “Accomplished Artists” ages 21 and up. A first prize award of $1,000 and a second prize of $500 will be selected in each group.

Just as in Renaissance times, the artists are allowed to select their own media, such as graphite (pencil), pen and ink, watercolor, oils or, by some younger or offbeat older participants, crayons, colored pencils, shoe polish, or whatever works.

The 2007 contestants will also have artistic liberty in subject matter, but must address their art to whatever can be viewed from the contest site at Pier 22. Fisherman’s Wharf, the ELISSA, the Texas Seaport Museum and its contents, or buildings visible from the pier are all open for consideration. Historical perspectives or vistas out to sea also are welcomed.

Participants will have from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. to complete their original works. A panel of judges will deliberate, and winners will be announced at a reception at 4 p.m.

To register, call Galveston Historical Foundation at 409-765-7834.

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