The Holiday Art Contest benefits art education in the public school system. Twenty-four Portland/Vancouver metro area elementary school classes (grades 3-5) are asked to paint a greeting card mural to Portland on a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood. The entries are put on display during the Fred Meyer Winter Wonderland fueled by Chevron powered by Comcast event. Visitors receive a ballot as they enter the show asking them to select their top three choices.

The children's creativity is rewarded with grant money based on the number of votes received. Our only request is that the funds be spent on art related supplies, projects, or field trips. Portland area companies including Rodda Paint & Decor, Trendwest Resorts, and Global Events Group provide prize money, art supplies and other services.

The Event:	When Christmas draws near, more and more families take time out from their busy holiday schedules to experience the northwest tradition of Winter Wonderland with lights spanning over 1.5 miles of the track at Portland International Raceway. Opening Thanksgiving Day and continuing every day through New Year's Day, it is the largest animated light show in the west, attracting over 130,000 visitors each year. Supporting the community is an important part of Winter Wonderland. In 2003, over $34,000 was raised and 2900lbs of food collected to support local organizations. More than $400,000 and 32 tons of food have been donated to local non-profit groups since the inception of Winter Wonderland.
Background:	We created the Art Contest to recognize and encourage youngsters for their creative talent. (In fact, each student that participates receives a special certificate of participation and a free pass to bring their family to see to see their work on display at the Winter Wonderland). We deliver to each participating classroom the 4 x 8 sheet of plywood, paints and paintbrushes for their mural. The students supply the creativity, design and actual painting of the art project. Upon completion, the mural is picked up and brought to the show.
Media Support:	The Holiday Art Contest receives media attention and promotional support throughout the entire run of the event. Media partners are visible during the drop-off of materials and also during the winning school assembly and check presentation. Press releases are sent out to keep the public updated on the progress of the contest.
2007 Participating Art Contest Schools:	Bridger Elementary School, Portland Carus Elementary School, Oregon City Chief Joseph Elementary School, Portland German American School, Beaverton Happy Valley Elementary School, Happy Valley Image Elementary School, Vancouver The International Elementary School, Portland James Templeton Elementary School, Tigard Kelly Creek Elementary School, Gresham Lake Shore Elementary School, Vancouver Marion Elementary School, Vancouver Menlo Park Elementary School, Portland Mill Plain Elementary School, Vancouver Oregon Trail Elementary School, Clackamas Sacajawea Elementary School, Vancouver Salmon Creek Elementary School, Vancouver Washington Elementary School, Vancouver West Gresham Grade School, Gresham Willamina Elementary School, Willamina