June 10, 2009 - During the summer, parents often hear their children say, "I'm bored!" California State University, Bakersfield's Children's Art Institute is giving parents of kindergarten through sixth grade students a break this summer by announcing a summer art contest that will give children the opportunity to show off their creative art skills for a great cause.

The Children's Holiday Art contest is designed to encourage children to create their own winter art piece that will be reviewed by a panel of judges and scored based on four principles: artistic merit, creativity, theme/season communication and adherence to the rules. Four entries will ultimately be selected and the artwork used for holiday cards that will be sold at Russo's Marketplace Books. Proceeds from the sale of the cards will benefit the Children's Art Institute, a program that supports children's art in local schools, community and on the CSUB campus.

The winning students will receive a box of the holiday cards to keep and their artwork will be posted on the Children's Art Institute website. In addition, each student who enters will have a chance to win free tuition to a Children's Art Institute's camp offered in 2010. Following the conclusion of the contest all entries will be sent to Marines serving in Iraq during the holidays.

For complete contest rules, submission information, and entry forms log on to http://www.csub.edu/childrensartinstitute/PDF/CAI_Holiday_Card_Contest.pdf or contact Dianne Turner at (661) 654-2422. Entries must be received by 3 p.m. on Monday, August 24 to be eligible.