Chester County high school students are invited to take part in the fifth annual art contest presented by the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC). The agency is celebrating its 45th anniversary with the theme "45 Years of Empowerment." Students should use the anniversary theme as inspiration for their artwork.

Last year, the artwork was on display for a week at the Exton Chamber of Commerce for judging, and the awards ceremony was held at the same location. This year's contest has been altered because of the pandemic.

"In a typical year, the students had to submit art pieces to us and we had them digitally uploaded as well," explained Danielle Dougherty, DVCCC director of philanthropic partnerships, one of the contest organizers. "People could vote on social media for the piece they liked the best. It culminated in an in-person reception where we announced first-, second- and third-place winners as chosen by the judges and the People's Choice Award chosen by everyone via social media. This year, we are doing all of the same things, except the reception (on Saturday, April 10) will be held virtually via Zoom, where we will announce the winners."

Digital images of the artwork will be featured on DVCCC's social media pages and website, while the art will be on view at the Brow Bar, 131 W. Gay St., West Chester, during the week of Monday through Friday, April 5 to 9. "They have offered their storefront windows for us to display all of the students' artwork," said Dougherty. "People can view it from outside safely and the judges will be able to view the artwork. People can still vote for their favorites on our Facebook page."

A panel of judges, led by Victoria Wyeth, granddaughter of noted artist Andrew Wyeth, will determine the winners.

"Any artwork that expresses the theme of what we are trying to do is acceptable," said Dougherty. "This year, for the first time, we are also accepting photography because of the digital nature of the contest."

The contest is designed to showcase the talent of young artists, as well as raise awareness of DVCCC, which provides free and confidential services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and their dependent children. It also provides a teen dating violence curriculum to schools in Chester County. "We still wanted to hold (the contest) because these partnerships with the students and the school districts are important to us," Dougherty added. "It is also (held) to connect with the community and to boost awareness of our organization and of domestic violence."

Students should preregister for the competition by Friday, March 19. Artwork will be due by Monday, March 29. Drop-off arrangements for the artwork will be made at the time of registration.

For complete details, including contest rules, and to register, students may visit http://www.dvcccpa.org/student-art-contest or contact Dougherty at ddougherty@dvcccpa.org or 610-431-3546.

For more information about DVCCC, readers may call 610-431-3546 or visit http://www.dvcccpa.org or http://www.facebook.com/DVCCCPA.