The Planetary Society

65 N. Catalina Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106-2301 (626) 793-5100 Fax (626)
793-5528

E-mail: tps@planetary.org Web: http://planetary.org
Contact: Susan Lendroth

Mars has beckoned for centuries, inspiring mythology, science fiction and
now an International Space Art Contest. The Planetary Society invites
participants of all ages worldwide to draw what Mars would look like if one
were standing on the planet’s surface.

The contest is held in conjunction with The Planetary Society’s Red Rover
Goes to Mars Training Mission where Student Scientists are to select a
suitable landing site on Mars to which Earth might one day send a Mars
sample return mission. Art contest entrants must depict what such a landing
site on Mars for a robotic spacecraft might look like at ground level —
both now and a century hence.

“The art contest reminds us that planetary exploration isn’t just for
‘rocket scientists.’ People of all ages who are imaginative and
artistically inclined can participate,” said Linda Kelly, Education Manager
of the Red Rover Goes to Mars project.

Contest entries must be done by hand — no computers allowed — and may be
drawn, painted, or otherwise artistically depicted in a two-dimensional
image (no sculptures). Participants must imagine a suitable landing site
for a sample return mission that could be sent to Mars in the near future.
Artists can depict a spacecraft in the picture, but it is not required. A
second illustration of the same site in one hundred years must also be
submitted, as well as a brief written description of the drawings.

Winners will be selected in three age categories: 10 and under, 11 to 18,
and over 18 years of age. Artwork will be judged on creativity, knowledge
of Mars, and artistic merit.

The deadline for submissions is April 2, 2001. Entries must be submitted to
Red Rover Goes to Mars Regional and National Centers. A list of Regional
and National Centers and complete rules for entry are available at the
Society’s website at http://planetary.org or by writing to International
Space Art Contest, c/o The Planetary Society, 65 N Catalina Avenue,
Pasadena, California, USA 91106.

The number of national finalists and special merit honorable mention
winners will depend on the number and quality of the entries received.
International first, second and third place winners will be selected in
each age category. The best art from each nation will also receive
recognition. Winning artwork will be included on a CD-ROM and displayed at
prominent space science institutions around the world. Other prizes include
gift certificates, memberships in the Planetary Society, and more.

The artwork by the three first prize winners (one from each age category)
will be posted on The Planetary Society’s website in August 2001 for the
public to vote for their favorite Mars terrain picture. Their votes will
determine the Grand Prize winner whose art will be featured on the cover of
the International Space Art Contest CD-ROM.

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CONTACT INFORMATION:

For more information, please contact Susan Lendroth at (626)793-5100 ext
214 or by e-mail at susan.lendroth@planetary.org.

THE PLANETARY SOCIETY:

Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray and Louis Friedman founded The Planetary Society
in 1980 to advance the exploration of the solar system and to continue the
search for extraterrestrial life. With 100,000 members in over 140
countries, the Society is the largest space interest group in the world.

The Planetary Society

65 N. Catalina Ave.

Pasadena, CA 91106-2301

Tel: (626) 793-5100

Fax: (626) 793-5528

E-Mail: tps@planetary.org