LONG BEACH, Wash. – For the first time, the Chinook Observer plans an open competition for an art work to be featured on the front cover of the Discovery Coast Visitors’ Guide for 2005.

The painting or drawing selected will be the signature image for the Peninsula during the peak year of Lewis and Clark Bicentennial celebrations, and must be representational of some local aspect of the expedition.

Possible subjects might include the vote at Station Camp, Clark’s exploring party at Long Beach, or Chinook canoes visiting the expedition’s campsite. The winning artist will be profiled in the Chinook Observer, in the 100,000 circulation Visitors’ Guide and on our Web site.

Entrants must reside in Washington state or Clatsop County, Ore. The artwork should be no larger than 27 inches wide by 32 inches high for vertical entries, and can be no smaller than 14.5 inches by 17 inches.

Entries must be delivered to the Chinook Observer, 205 Bolstad Ave. E., Suite 2, Long Beach, between Aug. 16 and Sept. 1 during regular business hours. The artist’s full name, including address and phone number, must be attached to the back of the artwork. Judging will take place Sept. 22. There will be 300 posters printed to be signed and numbered by the artist.

The artist will receive a commission/royalty check of $2,000, payable within 30 days of completion of all signing and numbering of posters. The winning original will become the property of the Chinook Observer. Others should be picked up by the artists no later than Oct. 15.

Questions? Call Matt Winters at (800) 643-3703 or (360) 642-8181.