OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission is inviting Oklahoma youth ages 6 to 17 to participate in the state’s 2017 International Aviation Art Contest. The art contest encourages students to reflect on aviation by havin them design their artwork based upon this year’s chosen theme, “Above the Clouds.”

“We are once again honored to coordinate the International Aviation Art Contest for our state,” said Victor Bird, the state’s director of aeronautics. “Aerospace is extremely important to Oklahoma as it is one of our top industries and provides thousands of jobs statewide. I am hopeful that this art contest will be a springboard to careers in aerospace and aviation for many of these boys and girls.”

Artwork will be judged in each of the three age classes based on originality, design, and usage of theme. First, second, and third place winners from each age group will be chosen. Winners receive a certificate and a cash prize, which will be awarded at the recognition ceremony held in March 2017.

Each piece of winning artwork will also be judged at the national and international level.

All artwork must be mailed to the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission at 110 N. Robinson, Suite 1200, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73102, and be postmarked by Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.

Brochures containing contest information, rules, and entry forms are available on the Aeronautics Commission’s website.

“We are particularly excited about this year’s contest as we were able to produce 10,000 copies of the aviation art contest 2017 calendar and have mailed them to schools across the state. Our hope is that teachers will use the calendars as motivation for students to get creative and interested in aviation,” said Sandra Shelton, director of communications and government affairs.

Complimentary copies of calendars may be requested by emailing sshelton@oac.ok.gov.