(PRESS RELEASE)— The American Samoa Disaster Relief & Recovery Program (ASDRRP) is seeking artwork for the “American Samoa Thanks You” Christmas Card Art Contest.

ASDRRP is preparing to package and send Thank You correspondence to many donors that gave aid to local disaster survivors from the recent tsunami and earthquake that struck September 29, 2009.

To show American Samoa’s appreciation for their generous contributions, the ASDRRP would like to include Thank You correspondence in a Christmas Card designed by local young artists.

This contest is open to all students attending middle school and high school on the island. The Christmas Card Contest will begin November 23 (today) and end on November, 30.

All artwork should be based on the theme of “American Samoa Thanks You.” Artwork will be judged on originality, creativity, artistic ability, adherence to the theme and to the rules.

Artwork cannot include clip art graphics or adhered substances such as glitter. Create artwork on a standard 8.5 x 11 inch sheet in landscape view only (horizontal).

Please email original artwork in Portable Document Format (.pdf) or in Joint Photographic Experts Group (.jpg) to Mrs. Easter Bruce, rocc@americansamoa.gov.

Submissions must include: 1) Full name of artist 2) Name of school 3) Age of artist 4) Artist’s village and 5) A brief explanation of the submitted artwork.

All entries must be received via email no later than Nov. 30, 12:00 midnight, Samoa Standard Time; artwork submitted after the deadline will be returned.

A community panel will judge and select the winning artwork used for the ASDRRP Christmas Card Thank You note. Three winners will be selected and announced on December 7, 2009.

The winners will be awarded with a variety package of Christmas decorations along with U.S. Treasury Savings Bonds in the following face value amounts:

1st Place: $250  2nd Place: $150  3rd Place: $50

They will also be invited to attend a presentation of awards in which their winning artwork will be displayed.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Easter Bruce at 699.1329/1330 or via email, rocc@americansamoa.gov

(Source: Easter Bruce, American Samoa Disaster Relief & Recovery Program)