Seattle’s annual Neighbor Appreciation Day isn’t until Feb. 6, but kids can enter the contest now to create the artwork for the free cards that will be distributed.
Neighbor Appreciation Day started right here in Phinney Ridge, as resident Judith Wood wanted a way to celebrate all the good things about having wonderful neighbors. Then-Mayor Norm Rice proclaimed the Saturday before Valentine’s Day as Neighbor Appreciation Day.
The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods sponsors an art contest for K-12 students to create the annual cards, which you’ll be able to pick up free at the Phinney Neighborhood Association in mid-January. Deadline for the artwork contest is this Friday, Dec. 11.
The contest is open to all Seattle students K-12. The artwork should reflect the theme of Neighbor Appreciation Day, depicting caring and active neighbors. Some visuals from previous years show neighbors sharing meals, helping with child care, talking over the fence or working together on a community project, such as building a new playground.
Art should be submitted on 8 ½ x 11 paper. It is recommended that art be vivid in color. Artwork created with watercolors or magic markers tend to show better, but all formats are welcome. Name, address, school, and complete contact information must be written on the back of the artwork. Artwork will not be returned.
Send entries by December 11 to:
Student Art Contest
Department of Neighborhoods
700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1700
P.O. Box 94649
Seattle, WA 98124-4649
If you have questions, please contact Wendy Watson at [email protected] (206-684-0719) or Lois Maag at [email protected] (206-615-0950).
