More than 1,000 entries are expected in the 2009 Young At Art Competition, sponsored by Denison Performing Arts and the Oliver Dewey Mayor Foundation.

The competition is open to all Denison public school students, as well as students in St. Luke's and home-schoolers. The deadline for entry is May 15 and entries can be turned in to the Denison Chamber of Commerce office. Entries will be divided by grade levels and categories. Students may enter a work in one of the following categories -- two-dimensional, three-dimensional, textile -- and can enter a separate work in the collage category, if desired.

Guidelines and requirements for each category are as follows:

Two-dimensional: Open to watercolor, pencil, crayon, oils, acrylic and markers. Pastel or charcoal entries must be treated to prevent smearing. Paint by numbers creations will not be accepted. Entries can be no larger than 24 inches by 30 inches (the size of regular poster board) and no smaller than eight and one-half inches by 11 inches;

Three-dimensional: Open to sculptures of metal, pottery, wood, plastic, paper or paper mache. Entries can be no larger than three feet in any dimension, no heavier than 20 pounds, and must be securely free-standing;

Textile: Open to any creative use of yarn or fabric. Textile entries must fit either of the size limits on two- or three-dimensional works;

Collage: College theme is "My World." It is open to an artistic composition of materials and objects pasted over a surface, often with unifying lines and color. The above size limits apply.

Works of art cannot have been exhibited in past DPA shows. Entries must be the student's own, original creation. Judging will be based on evidence of creativity and expression.

There is no entry fee.

Prizes including ribbons and gift certificates to a local arts and crafts store will be given in all age divisions and categories. Awards will be presented in two separate receptions: May 21, 5:30 p.m., Chase Bank (Denison) for competitors in sixth through 12th grades; and May 30, 1 p.m., Chase Bank (Denison) for competitors in kindergarten through fifth grades.

Judging this year's competition is Ira Lee White of Ardmore, Okla. White, an artist, has taught art at every level, both in the United States and abroad.

All of the entries will be on display at Chase Bank from May 18-29 during normal business hours.

For more information, contact Mary Margaret McGowan at 903-463-7421.