Pierce County teens invited to participate in writing, art contest

The Pierce County Library System invites teenagers throughout Pierce County to showcase their creative talents in the Pierce County Library System’s Our Own Expressions Teen Writing & Art Contest, now through Feb. 28.

Teen writers and artists in seventh through 12^th grades who live in or attend school in Pierce County can participate in the free contest as an individual or as a team in one or all four categories: poetry, short story, photography and drawing.

Students may get entry forms online, Pierce County Library > Our Own Expressions, or at their local Pierce County Library. Teenagers may submit entries online, drop off at their local library or send by mail to Our Own Expressions, Pierce County Library System, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446-2215.

Judges will review writing entries based on originality, style, general presentation, grammar, spelling and evidence of skill appropriate for the writer’s age. Judges will review art entries based on composition, evidence of skill commensurate with the age of the artist, creativity and effective use of media. Published authors, professional artists and photographers select the final winning pieces.

The winners will be announced in a special publication distributed throughout Pierce County Libraries and to the winning students’ schools. The Pierce County Library Foundation will award prizes worth $100 to $150 to winners in three age groups: seventh and eighth grade, ninth and 10th grade, and 11th and 12th grade in all four categories.

The Library System plans to showcase contest winners at an awards ceremony in spring 2023.

As part of the annual contest, the Pierce County Library System will offer several events to support the students in developing their art and writing from poster art and photography to writing sessions and a visit with an author. Visit expressions.pcls.us for more information about the free classes and events and Our Own Expressions contest.