The Goleta Valley Library Creek Week Art Contest is back for its fifth annual show, and community members are invited to submit an original work of art in celebration of Creek Week (Sept. 19-26) and other local bodies of water.

This year’s theme is Story Beneath the Surface: Art Inspired by Our Creeks, Oceans, and Watersheds.
 
Artwork will be accepted at the Goleta Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave., 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 19, 26 and Sept. 2, and 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Aug. 22.

All artwork must be received by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 for inclusion in the contest.

All ages and skill levels can participate. Submissions will be grouped into three age categories: adults (18+), teens (7th-12th grade), and children (6th grade and below).

Artwork will be scored on relevance to the theme, overall appearance, and originality. First, second and third place ribbons will be awarded, as will honorable mention ribbons in each category.   

New this year, the Goleta Valley Library urges artists to tell the story of their art or what inspired them to create it. The paragraph will be posted next to their artwork for the Art Reception, Sept. 25.

The Artist Paragraph Submittal Form and guidelines for the art show are available at the website. 
  
The artwork will be on display for public viewing at the Goleta Community Center from Sept. 11-30.

There will be a Creek Week Art Reception 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 to hear from guests about the importance of local creeks and to find out the contest winners.

All participants and community members are invited to attend the reception. There will be light refreshments and live music performed by The Swing Along Band. 
  
Following are guidelines for participating in the contest: 
 
• All artwork that represents the theme Story Beneath the Surface: Art Inspired by Our Creeks, Oceans, and Watersheds will be accepted. 
• Participants may only submit one piece of art. Art must be original, completed solely by the participant.
• All mediums allowed (photography, painting, drawing, collage, etc.).
• Artwork is not required to be framed but must have the artist’s name and age category on the back.
• Submissions must be no larger than 42” in any direction (including frame) and must have a way to be hung on the wall.
• Submissions must be picked up at the Goleta Community Center on Wednesdays, Oct. 7 or 14 from 2-4 p.m. or Saturday Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-noon.
• An optional marketing waiver will be provided at the time of drop-off.
  
The contest is a partnership between Goleta Valley Library and the city of Goleta’s Environmental Services Division and Parks & Recreation Division.

For questions email library assistant Sharon Nigh, snigh@cityofgoleta.gov. 
 
Creek Week is an annual celebration of creeks, watersheds, and the ocean, with many organizations hosting events to help build awareness and stewardship of the natural treasures of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria.

For more, visit https://sbcreekweek.com/.