Drawing by 2009 finalist Vanessa Molisee, 5th grade

The Humane Society of the United States is hosting an art contest for all students K-12 with the theme: A Tribute to Chimpanzee Sanctuaries.  Entries must be received by December 17.  Two grand prize winners will each receive an iPod Touch, and 6 finalists will each receive $25. If the grand prize winner’s entry was coordinated by a teacher, the teacher will receive a $500 gift certificate for school supplies. For more information and official rules, see the HSUS website.

The contest calls attention to the plight of many chimpanzees currently undergoing experimentation in laboratories across the US.  The hope is to retire these chimpanzees to sanctuaries so they can live out the rest of their lives in peace.