The Children's Holiday Art Contest benefits art education in the local schools. 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 Jubitz Winter Wonderland 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 Jubitz, Liberty Mutual, Comcast, Miller Paint Co., 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 through December 26th (including Christmas Day), it is the largest animated light show in the west, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. Supporting the community is an important part of Winter Wonderland. More than $500,000 and over 35 tons of food have been donated to local non-profit groups since the inception of Winter Wonderland.
Background:	The Children's Holiday Art Contest was created to recognize and encourage youngsters for their creative visual art talent. We believe children are often recognized for performing art or athletic talent but that more can be done to encourage the visual or graphic arts. 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.
2011 Participating Schools:	Brookwood Elementary, Hillsboro, OR Groner Elementary, Hillsboro, OR Lake Shore Elementary, Vancouver, WA Mill Plain Elementary, Vancouver, WA Pleasan Valley Primary, Vancouver, WA Salmon Creek Elementary, Vancouver, WA Shaver Elementary, Portland, OR Scouters Mountain Elementary, Happy Valley, OR Springville K-8, Portland, OR Vestal Elementary, Portland, OR
2011 Theme:	Spreading the Joy
2011 Winners:	1st - Scouters Mountain Elementary 2nd - Lake Shore Elementary 3rd - Springville K-8