Sharpen your pencils, Tri-City teens: A new art contest promoting pop culture and positive messaging is underway this week in Port Coquitlam.
Applicants have until Friday to submit their sketches - showing images such as celebrities, skateboarding and television programs - to Ink & Honey Tattoo Shop (4-1449 Prairie Ave., Port Coquitlam).
And the three shortlisted candidates will not only create their work live at Lions Park on Saturday, but they'll also get a chance to have their art shown in high-exposure locations like on a utility box, at Leigh Square Community Arts Village and at Stiffy's Boardshop (by the Treehouse Pub).
The idea for "Pop Culture, Positive Art" came from Melanie Prokop of POP! Skateboarding, who's contracted by the city of Port Coquitlam to program activities at RailSide skateboard park.
"This is all about giving youth opportunities to express themselves artistically at a high-profile event," PoCo youth co-ordinator Russ Brummer said in a news release.
Besides the art showdown, which starts at 1 p.m. and will be judged by PoCo youth workers, Coquitlam RCMP, PoCoMo Youth Services and Ink and Honey tattoo artists, youth bands will play, a Skate Jam will be held at RailSide and there will be a hotdog barbecue from the Project Reach Out bus.
For more information on the Aug. 13 event, call 604-927-7938 or visit www.pocoyouth.com.
jwarren@tricitynews.com
