Pierce County Library System is asking teenagers throughout Pierce County to show their creative talents in the Library System’s Teen Writing & Art Contest – Our Own Expressions, which runs now through Sunday, Feb. 24.

“We eagerly anticipate entries from the talented authors and artists of the future,” said Neel Parikh, executive director for the Library System. “We have seen previous contest winners grow into published authors.”

Teenagers in 7th – 12th grades, who live in or attend school in Pierce County, may enter the contest, individually or as a team, in one or all four categories: poetry, short story, photography or drawing. Participation in the contest is free.

Teens may get entry forms and enter the contest at any Pierce County Library or online at www.piercecountylibrary.org, search site: OOX. Teenagers may also submit entries by mail to Pierce County Library System, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma, WA 98446-2215.

Judges will review writing entries on the basis of originality, style, general presentation, grammar, spelling, and evidence of skill appropriate for the writer’s age. They will review art entries on the basis of composition, evidence of skill commensurate with the age of the artist, creativity, and effective use of media.

The Library System will publish all of this year’s winning contest entries and distribute them throughout Pierce County Libraries and to the winning students’ schools. Pierce County Library Foundation will award cash prizes in three age groups: 7th and 8th grades, 9th and 10th grades, and 11th and 12th grades; and in four categories: poetry, short story, photography and drawing.

Contest winners will feature their work in an awards ceremony at Pacific Lutheran University on Thursday, May 30.

The News Tribune, Pacific Lutheran University and Print NW help fund the contest.