In recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention month, Whole Child Leon has partnered with Leon County Schools to raise awareness about child trafficking through a visual arts competition during the month of January.

The goal of the “Expression Not Possession: to End Child Trafficking” art contest is to highlight the importance of self-expression while encouraging students to use their artistic abilities to join the fight to end child trafficking. Whole Child Leon aims to build public awareness and educate teenagers about child trafficking intervention and prevention strategies.

The visual arts competition is an opportunity for Leon County students in grades 6-12 to create expressive artwork using posters, paintings, sculptures, illustrations, and drawings (hand-drawn/digital), based on the theme “Expression Not Possession.”

All students will receive credit for their artwork and need to submit it to OpenDoors@wholechildLeon.org by Jan. 28. However, Whole Child Leon, Leon County Schools, and partnering agencies will have the right to post the artwork, name, grade, and school publicly or via their social media accounts and websites.

The top three middle school and high school winners will receive prizes, including a month of lessons at the local Brush & Palette Studio (valued at $60), attend free art workshops at AR Workshop Tallahassee, and more. In addition, Florida Senator Loranne Ausley will hand out the winner’s prizes and take photos with them during the ceremony.

The judges for the “Expression Not Possession: to End Child Trafficking” will include Amanda Karioth Thompson, the Assistant Director, Education & Exhibitions Manager of the Council on Culture & Arts (COCA), Yvonne Sherron Smart, graphic designer and co-owner of AR Workshop Tallahassee, Robin Hassler Thompson, Executive Director of the Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC), and Deborah L Foote, President of Voices for Florida. 

For more information about the “Expression Not Possession: to End Child Trafficking” art contest, visit wholechildleon.org.

From: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/life/family/2022/01/11/art-contest-aims-build-awareness-child-trafficking/9169645002/