From Staff Reports

McDonald’s of Central Alabama is holding its fifth year of the McDonald’s Celebration of Creativity Art Contest.

The contest is a celebration of Black History Month. According to a McDonald’s press release, the company and its event sponsors are accepting submissions of unique artwork that expresses students’ depictions of the civil rights movement and the country’s progression.

The contest is open to students K-12, who can submit their story through a drawing, painting or mixed media. Entries must be submitted by February 2 to compete for the cash prizes.

The teachers of the first-place winners will also win a $250 Alabama Art Supply Gift Card. The artwork is judged in divisions based on grade level, starting with K5 and going up to 12th grade. Initial judging will be held on Feb. 9 and final judging will take place Feb. 23.

The winners will be announced at The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute on Feb. 23.

“As an artist myself, I am very passionate about telling stories and expressing emotion through art,” said Larry Thornton, Celebration of Creativity Art Contest judge and McDonald’s owner operator. “This program gives the children of Central Alabama not only an opportunity to express themselves but also an opportunity to celebrate an important movement in our history.”

For contest details and information, visit 957jams.com or contact Krista Conlin at 205-937-3777 or Krista@kcprojects.net.

McDonald’s stores are locally owned and operated. Santiago Negre and his son, James Negre, own and operate the Jemison McDonald’s, in addition to 19 other McDonald’s restaurants in central Alabama.