Last year Maine College of Art held its first ever youth essay contest. It was so successful, MECA has decided to make the contest an annual event. This year three students, one from each of the following age groups: 8-10, 11-13 and 14-17, will be chosen based on conviction and clarity of expression. Deadline is April 30.

The goal of the essay contest is to engage young artists in the community and help them expand their artistic skill set. This year's essay question is: tell us about an art experience you've had that you'll never forget. How has it inspired you to want to make art at MECA this summer? Feel free to talk about any art medium (visual or performing arts) made either by you or someone else in your response.

The winning students last year spoke about how having the opportunity to spend their summer at MECA would help them grow and learn as artists. The prize for winners is a full scholarship to one of MECA’s many summer art camps. MECA’s youth art camps have a wide range of opportunities to learn new skills.

From painting and sculpture to fashion and animation there is something for everyone to enjoy. There are even classes that center around composing and creating your own music, something that MECA has been focused on incorporating since the introduction of the Art and Music minor.

Contestants must compose an original essay with limited-to-no guidance from adults. All contestants must adhere to the age requirements (as of June 22, 2015) of each category.

The essay must be a minimum of 250 words and not exceed 500. Each entry will be judged based on originality, clarity of thought and motivation, and expressiveness in writing. Winners will be contacted by phone during the first week in May 2015.

To accept the award, winners must to be available to participate in at least 3 weeks of MECA’s summer programming. Camps are non-transferable.

For more information and entry instructions, visit http://meca.edu/essaycontest.