MARQUETTE — The Michigan Municipal League Foundation has launched the new MI Community Art Competition, inviting young Michigan artists to submit original visual artwork that showcases what they love about their city, village or township.

The contest aims to inspire civic engagement and community pride among Michigan’s youth. Starting now, young artists are asked to submit pieces of art representing the unique identity of their community: What makes the community special? When people think of the community, what comes to mind? Ideally, the artwork should illustrate buildings, events, special places and other features of their community that bring people together and foster civic pride.

The MI Community Art Competition has three categories: ages 5-10, 11-14 and 15-18. Three winners will be selected from each age category, plus one popular-vote winner from all entrants. First-place winners will receive $200 and a copy of the shirt featuring their art. Second-place winners will receive $100. Third-place winners will receive $50. The winner of the popular vote will receive $200.

The three first-place winners will have their art featured on T-shirts produced by the MML Foundation. Profits from future shirt sales will benefit the foundation’s programming and community grantmaking.

“The MI Community initiative gives young Michiganders a chance to make and share artwork that showcases their community spirit. We are excited to offer this new opportunity for elementary, middle and high school students to flex their creative muscle and create art that shows everyone what they love about where they live,” said Helen Davis Johnson, president of the MML Foundation. “An art contest like this highlights young talent across the state and celebrates the places that make Michigan special.”

Media eligible for submission include:

— Paintings (oil, acrylic, watercolor, etc.);

— Drawings (pen, pencil, charcoal, pastel, crayon, etc.); and

— Digital illustrations.

These media are not eligible:

— Photography;

— Sculpture;

— 3-D art;

— Animation;

— Collage; and

— A.I.-generated or A.I.-assisted artwork.

Residents of Michigan Municipal League member communities who are between ages 5 and 18 at the time of entry are eligible to enter. Artworks must be the original creation of the entrant, with no assistance from adults or artificial intelligence on any aspect of the piece. One entry per person is permitted.

Entries must not have been previously published and must not include profanity, trademarks, copyrighted materials, or logos of any business organization or individual other than the artist.

Artwork must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. Eastern time Wednesday, May 6. Entries will be evaluated by an internal panel of judges, with winners notified via email in June.

To enter the MI Community Art Competition and to see the full list of rules and disclaimers, go to mmlfoundation.org/micommunity-youth-art-competition.