The City of Slidell is inviting artists from 10 southeastern states to submit their works for the Slidell Cultural Center’s upcoming Mixed Media juried exhibition.

This annual competition, now in its 18th year, always proves to be a unique exhibit. To qualify as mixed media, artists must use two or more media to create their art. Last year’s exhibit included works created with paints, pastels, clay, charcoal, paper, stainless steel, clock pieces, wood, bamboo, metals, fabrics, and a wide assortment of other atypical media such as horsehair and tree bark.

Dale Newkirk will serve as the juror for this year’s exhibit. Professor Newkirk is the Director of the Southeastern Contemporary Art Gallery and the SIMS Gallery at Southeastern Louisiana University, and teaches sculpture. All artists 18 years or older and residing in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee or Texas are eligible for entry.

Up to three works may be submitted by each artist, with a flat rate entry fee of $25. Entries must be submitted no later than Dec. 11. Artists will be notified of acceptance status by Dec. 28.

A total of $600 in awards will be given to artists selected by the juror for first, second and third places.

Complete entry details are available in the prospectus, which can be picked up at the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs, 1330 Bayou Lane, No. 104; or obtained through the city’s Web site, www.slidell.la.us.

Mixed Media will be displayed in the Slidell Cultural Center on the first floor of Slidell City Hall.

The exhibit opens Jan. 15 with an opening reception and awards presentation from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For further information, visit the Web site above or phone 646-4375.

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.

—Twyla Tharp

Terry Maddox is the publisher of St. Tammany News.