The Ocean City – Berlin Maryland Optimist Club
Art Contest

While attending a noncredit college art class after retiring a member of the Ocean City Optimist Club had the opportunity to observe the art talents of the freshmen students. It was obvious that this talent was gained while these students attended High School. The idea of approaching the Optimist Club and providing an environment where this high school art could be exhibited, and encouraged, was presented to the Optimist Club Board of Directors for consideration as a new youth program for our area.

Three High Schools in the county were approached with the concept and after gaining support of the art teachers, the Optimist Club approved the program and the first art exhibit / contest opened at a local gallery in January 2006. Ralph G. Green was the Optimist Club member who presented the idea to the club and was appointed Chairperson of the program.

The contest is an exhibit of paintings and drawings from art students representing the three Worcester County public high schools. Each January art teachers from the high schools are contacted and provided with the rules for the contest. The teachers may select from their class up to twenty entries in two categories, painting and drawings. Only one entry per student is allowed. Any art student in the class is eligible.

To date there have been three art contests. In all 163 students have participated. There is no application process. The individual high school teachers select the children based on their talent, but the total from their class can only total 20 art pieces.

Three judges select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner ribbons in each category. There are also up to 4 Honorary Mention Ribbons presented, as well as a Peoples Choice Award in each of the categories. 1st place winners receive $500, 2nd place $300, 3rd place $200. Peoples Choice Award winners receive $200. There are no cash awards for Honorable Mention winners.
The People’s Choice Award’s are selected by the viewing public. Cash awards are presented at a special dinner meeting of the Optimist Club so that the winning entries may be exhibited and viewed by the club membership.
Pictures to be furnished at a later date

Listed below are the students that have won awards:

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