“Power to the People!” Art Contest Empowers Youth to Spark Change Through Creativity

Guest post submitted by Ashley Hinson Dhakal, Communications Manager, Sunrise County Economic Council

“Power to the People!” Art Contest Empowers Youth to Spark Change Through Creativity

Washington County, ME — Sunrise County Economic Council (SCEC) is excited to announce the “Power to the People!” Youth Art Contest. Washington County youth, ages 13-18, are invited to create original artwork to raise awareness about power outage prevention and preparedness, specifically power outages caused by falling trees. The contest offers an opportunity for young people to creatively represent important safety and preparedness messages and have their work featured in public campaigns and promotional materials.

Contest entrants are asked to illustrate one or more guiding messages, such as the importance of trimming or planting trees responsibly near power lines, helping neighbors prepare for outages, staying safe around downed lines, and the value of being prepared with supplies and support when the lights go out.

Selected artwork will be printed on posters, magnets, stickers, on the Power to the People website and more.  It will be shared with the public and with municipal leaders.

The top three winners will also receive a Jackery Portable power station and campaign-themed materials featuring the winning designs. A bonus prize may be awarded for the additional design of a campaign superhero.  

Sunrise County Economic Council’s Power to the People Campaign will raise awareness among Washington County residents about how to prevent and prepare for power outages and stay safe around power lines. The project is made possible by support and assistance from the Island Institute, Versant Power, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Submissions are due by July 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET and can be submitted online, by mail or dropped off in person at SCEC’s office at 7 Ames Way in Machias. Required forms, guidelines and rules are available at https://sunrisecounty.org/power-to-the-people/ 

Questions may be directed to Crystal Hitchings at chitchings@sunrisecounty.org or (207) 707-2057.