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Read the press release here.

Anti-Violence Art Contest Seeks Submissions in Crown Heights

 Khristen Wilson won third place among artists under 24 in 2013's Arts to End Violence Contest.
Khristen Wilson won third place among artists under 24 in 2013's Arts to End Violence Contest.
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Khristen Wilson

CROWN HEIGHTS — A Crown Heights group is asking locals of all ages to create anti-violence artwork as part of an annual competition.

Save Our Streets, an initiative of the Crown Heights Community Meditation Center, runs the Arts to End Violence Contest every year to encourage residents to express their thoughts on issues facing their neighborhood, including gangs and street violence.

“It’s a way to remind ourselves of the joy and talent in the neighborhood,” said Amy Ellenbogen, president of the center.

Submissions are due April 10 and the pieces judged to be the best will win money and be displayed at the Ron Taylor Gallery at 1160 St. Johns Place during the Kingston Avenue Festival on May 23. All of the artwork submitted will be posted to the project’s Tumblr as well.

“It’s a mix of people,” Ellenbogen said about the contestants the project draws each year. “Some are making a living as artists and some are people who are just trying to express themselves for the first time.”

The youngest artist last year was 7 years old, and many seniors join the contest, too.

The group asks that submissions not depict local gang symbols or realistic portrayals of guns. Only two-dimensional visual artwork will be accepted. For complete contest guidelines, click here or call the center at (718) 773-6886.