2006 Expressions of Courage^® Art Contest Calls for Entries

Special to EpilepsyUSA
Posted: April 29, 2006

Art has long been an integral and indispensable part of the human experience. It has the unique ability to allow us to connect to other cultures and other people. Through art, we can learn about the artist's feelings, thoughts and philosophies.

By expressing the emotions that stem from having epilepsy, talented artists in the Expressions of Courage^® art contest allow those unfamiliar with epilepsy to see the condition through the eyes of those living with it every day.

Sponsored by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc., in partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation, Expressions of Courage^® is a national art contest designed to illustrate the profound effect that epilepsy can have on a human life and the courage that so many draw upon when facing this life-altering condition.

People of all ages may submit original artwork, no larger than 8 ½ by 11 inches, that reflects their perspective on living with epilepsy. Artwork may be created in ink, pencil, crayon, marker, paint or any other flat medium, including computer-generated art.

Entries will be accepted from April 29 through July 31, 2006, and should be mailed to:

Expressions of Courage,
c/o Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Inc.,
389 Pittstown Road,
Pittstown, NJ 08867.

Judges will review the artwork and announce the winners in November during National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Winning artwork will be posted on the contest Web site and included in a calendar, coffee table book or note cards. Entry forms and more information can be found at www.expressionsofcourage.com or by calling 800-224-4935.

This year, the contest will be enhanced by the "Expressions of Courage: Through the Years" art exhibition. This collection of winning artwork from previous Expressions of Courage^® contests will be unveiled in Chicago and will travel to medical facilities throughout the year.

The exhibition was developed in partnership with the Society for the Arts in Healthcare in an effort to help increase public awareness of epilepsy and promote the arts as an integral component of healthcare. Selected by curators from the Society for the Arts in Healthcare, the exhibition allows us to look at epilepsy from a child's literal impressions to the more abstract depictions of an adult.

For more information on the Expressions of Courage^® art contest and schedule for the traveling exhibition, visit www.expressionsofcourage.com.