CRANBURY, NJ—The Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) is hosting a contest for young artists to create the next cover for its 2016 recycling brochure.

The contest, which began October 1, is open to all Middlesex County youth in the fifth grade and younger.

If you or a child you know are interested in submitting a piece of art, entries can be mailed to the MCIA, for the attention of Maria Prato, Public Information Officer, 101 Interchange Plaza, Cranbury, NJ 08512.

Photographed or scanned entries can be emailed to [email protected]. All submissions must be completed by no later than November 1.

The art theme for  consideration this year is “The Importance of Recycling,” though potential artists shouldn’t let that restrict their creativity.

“We are intentionally keeping the theme vague so that the chidldren can present their own artistic interpretation on the subject matter,” said Ed Windas, Recycling Division Manager for the MCIA.

Any artistic medium that would be suitable for a cover will be accepted including paintings, sketches, and drawings with crayons or colored pens and pencils.

Artists could see their work reach up to 90,000 of the participating homes and businesses who currently participate in the brochure circulation.

“For a young artist, this is certainly a way to get recognized,” said Carol Bellante, The Middlesex County Freeholder Deputy Director.

The brochure is published annually online and contains pick-up schedules, recycling program details, and County-sponsored recycling initiatives.

Submissions can be either mailed or emailed to the MCIA, and they must contain a teacher’s, parent’s or guardian’s name and contact information along with the child artist’s name in order to be considered.

For questions and further details about the contest, contact the MCIA using their website or by calling 609-655-5141.