SICA's high school sculpture competition
The Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts in Long Branch is calling for entries for "High Relief," its second annual competition to highlight the work of young sculptors in New Jersey.

"Bird Cage Rib Cage" by Nina Chidichimo, Matawan Regional High School. (Images from 2007 "High Relief")

SICA, 20 Third Ave. in Long Branch, is seeking works by high school students who excel in the three-dimensional arts - those who demonstrate not only technical achievement in the handling of their material but that essential creativity which demonstrates the spirit of contemporary art today.

From the entries, a group of the best sculptors fromeach grade will be selected to have their work displayed in "High Relief" at the Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts gallery space May 10-25.

A reception on May 10 will be held simultaneously with the kickoff for "Sculptoure," SICA's urban sculpture park, and a daylong festival called "Sculpt! A Celebration of All Things Chiseled, Shaped, and Formed."

Through these events, the finalists will have theirwork seen by hundreds if not thousands, and have their exhibition in conjunction with exhibitions of

"Flame" by Kalyn Finch, New Providence High School

of the finest sculptors in the nation.

"High Relief" is free and open to any and all three-dimensional medias or combinations of media - wood, papier mache, clay, metal, mud, string, garbage, etc. It is also open to all types of sculpture: high relief (wall-mounted sculpture), "in the round" (free-standing), installation art, assemblage, etc. All entrants must be enrolled and an active student in a New Jersey high school during the 2007-08 academic year.

The schedule for submissions is: March 21, final day for digital entries; April 7, finalists announced; May 2, last day for finalists' sculpture to be dropped off at SICA;May 10, reception and winners announced.

SICA's mission is to increase the general public's accessibility, awareness and appreciation of the contemporary arts in central New Jersey.

Further information and updates will be available soon at www.sica.org. SICAcan also be contacted at (732) 263-1121 or email at info@sica.org.