For Immediate Release Contact: Tina Carpenter, Program Director Boys & Girls Club of Carbondale 250 N.

Springer St.; P.O. Box 3092 Carbondale, IL 62902 Phone: 618-457-8877 ext. 23 Fax: 618-457-7939 Email: tcarpenter@bgc-cdale.org

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CARBONDLE TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL FINE ARTS EXHIBIT CARBONDALE, IL 1/3/12 The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carbondale is one of more than 4,000 Clubs across the country joining in a search to identify talented young artists. The competition is part of Boys & Girls Clubs of Americas (BGCA) National Fine Arts Exhibit program. BGCAs National Fine Arts Exhibit program is a comprehensive initiative promoting young peoples creativity and encouraging artistic skills and cultural enrichment. As a participant in the National Fine Arts Exhibit program, the Boys & Girls Club of Carbondale may submit members artwork in four age divisions and 10 categories, including watercolor, pastel, oil, acrylic and collage. Selected artwork will be screened at the local level and then sent to the regional level and a limited number will be sent to BGCAs Atlanta headquarters for judging at the national level. Thirty-seven national winners will be named and their artwork displayed at special events throughout the year. Winning artists will also receive an engraved plaque and letter of congratulations from the BGCA President. Regional finalists will receive a certificate of participation. January 3rd through January 6th community members are welcome to view the local exhibit of Boys and Girls Club of Carbondales artwork at Dayshift on 101 W. Monroe Ave (on the Strip). Please come by and view the potential pieces to be sent to the Regional Exhibit. Located at 250 N. Springer Street the Boys & Girls Club has served the youth of Carbondale for more than 7 years. The Club provides programs for more than 400 boys and girls in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, academic success, career preparation, health and life skills, the arts and sports, fitness and recreation. ###