The state is full of creative individuals who have lots of artistic abilities. It is now time for Kentuckians to display these talents by participating in the 4-H Note Card Contest. Packages of note cards showcasing the winning artwork will be available for purchase in April 2008. Sample artwork from past winners, registration forms and other information are available at the Lyon County Cooperative Extension office.

     The contest is open to 4-H members, volunteers, parents and extension staff and is divided into four separate age categories. These categories are young junior, 9-10-years-old; junior, 11-14; senior, 15-19 and adult, over 19.  

    Use your creativity when designing a note card.  4-H means different things to many people. The note cards should be representative of the Kentucky 4-H program and the youth and adults involved and should be submitted on a standard size sheet of white paper. Some possible themes include 4-H activities, character building, self-discipline, leadership, healthy living and acceptance.

    The contest begins at the county level. County offices are encouraged to submit the top design from each age group to the state
 4-H office. County winners will be displayed from Feb. 21-23, 2008 at the Kentucky 4-H Volunteer Forum in Lexington. Forum participants will vote to determine state winners. Once submitted the artwork becomes the property of the Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program and will not be returned.

    Artwork may be submitted in color and can be hand lettered, stenciled or computer illustrated. Designs should be generic and void of any words or phrases such as "Thank you." Designs that are specific to a particular county will not be accepted.

    At least four note cards will be selected and offered for sale. They will be reprinted indefinitely. Note cards that win at the state level will include the name and county of the artist on the back of the card. Winners will also receive one package of complimentary thank-you cards.

    The submission deadline for the county competition is January 18. The state deadline for submission is Feb. 1, 2008.  For more information on how to submit an entry to the contest, contact the Lyon County Cooperative Extension Service at 388-2341 or stop by 231 Main Street in Eddyville.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

(Source: Mark Mains, Extension Specialist for 4-H Youth Development)