InTIREnational Art Contest celebrates second year as part of Upstate International month
GREENVILLE, S.C. (Dec. 16, 2014) – Michelin North America today announced open registration for the return of the InTIREnational Art Contest that the company will host as part of Upstate International, an annual month-long series of community events that celebrate the cultural diversity of South Carolina’s Upstate.
In its second year, InTIREnational Art Contest challenges participants to create a piece of art with an international theme using four tires donated by Michelin. Registration is open for individuals or teams from schools, universities, businesses and non-profit organizations interested in creating a piece of art that celebrates the international fabric of the Upstate.
Michelin will accept registrations on its website—www.inspiredtires.com—through January 16. Once entered into the contest, participants will have three to four weeks, starting January 26 through February 20, to complete their artwork with the winner announced at an event at Michelin’s corporate headquarters on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. The contest is limited to the first 50 registrants.
This year, two winning works of art will be selected. One winner, the People’s Choice, will be awarded to the entry that receives the most votes on the contest’s website that is open to all members of the public. The second winner will be selected by a panel of judges. Each winning entry will receive a $5,000 donation to a charity, school, or non-profit of its choice.
“The artistic and creative talent here in the Upstate is astounding,” said Leesa Owens, director of community relations for Michelin North America. “We were so impressed with the imagination and originality of the entries last year that we can hardly wait to see what this year’s entrants bring.”
In its initial year, the Michelin InTIREnational Art contest welcomed more than 35 entries from groups, schools and individuals across the Upstate’s ten counties. The winning entry was the creation of Easley High School’s visual arts director, Dr. Russell Jewell.
Entries will be on display around the Upstate during Upstate International Month in March 2015. The public will have the chance to cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award at inspiredtires.com.
Michelin, along with Clemson University and the International Center of the Upstate, is a presenting sponsor of Upstate International. Returning for its third year, Upstate International will be held throughout the month of March.
Michelin’s InTIREnational Art Contest is open to all legal residents of South Carolina who reside in the Upstate area. Contestants can participate as individuals or as teams from schools, universities, businesses and non-profit organizations. Registered participants will receive four scrapped tires donated by Michelin. Participants will have three to four weeks to craft works of art that incorporate an international theme. Submissions will be judged on overall design and execution, global theme and tire usage.
For more information about the contest, please visit www.inspiredtires.com.
About Michelin North America
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility, sustainably; designing and distributing the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its clients’ needs; providing digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve a variety of industries. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelinman.com) has more than 21,400 employees and operates 19 major manufacturing plants.