The Okaloosa Arts Alliance announced its 16th annual county-wide student poster contest Thursday, challenging K-12 students to create artwork based on the theme “Art in Outer Space.”

The contest coincides with the opening of the Emerald Coast Science Center’s new planetarium building, which will host the award ceremony in May.

• “We are excited to be opening our new planetarium building and are looking forward to partnering with OAA on the space art contest to showcase the planetarium,” said Diane Fraser, executive director of the Emerald Coast Science Center.

Students throughout Okaloosa County may submit one entry each, either individually or through their schools. All submissions must include the artist’s name, grade and school on the front of the artwork.

• Entries can be mailed to the Okaloosa Arts Alliance at P.O. Box 4426, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549, or dropped off at the Emerald Coast Science Center during business hours. The submission deadline is May 2.

The contest features three age categories: Elementary School (K-4th grade), Middle School (5th-8th grade) and High School (9th-12th grade). First, second and third place winners will be selected in each category. 

First-place winners will have their artwork featured on the OAA website and in the organization’s newsletter. Prizes are provided by Eglin Federal Credit Union, HH Arts, ADSO and the Emerald Coast Science Center.

• All entries will be displayed at the Emerald Coast Science Center, where winners will be announced during a ceremony on Sunday, May 4, from 2-4 p.m. The event will include live music performed by Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music.

Last year’s first-place winners were Rosemary Clifton, a 10th grader from Rocky Bayou Christian School in the high school category; Emily Lowe, an 8th grader from Okaloosa STEMM Academy in the middle school category; and Ruth Nicolas, a 2nd grader from Silver Sands School in the elementary school category.

Attendees at the ceremony on May 4, will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite artwork for a Viewers’ Choice Award.

For more information about the contest, email Amy at amybaty1@gmail.com or visit here.