California Coastal Commission

Since 1998, the Coastal Commission has solicited creative work from young Californians in an annual contest. The purpose is to encourage youth to reflect on the beauty and spirit of California's beaches and ocean. Since 2002, when the contest expanded to include both art and poetry from students in kindergarten through grade 12, the Commission has received nearly 17,000 entries.

Water Water is still and cold. The cool liquid nibbles my toes. Small white pearls at the end of a wave. A wave crashes into my face. A smile leaps on me. By Tallula Sorst 3rd grade, Corte Madera

This year we received more than 2,200 entries, with ten winning pieces and 38 honorable mentions. You can view the amazing talent of the participating students in our online gallery.

Prizes are provided in part by generous donations from Acorn Naturalists, Aquarium of the Pacific, and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Judging assistance is provided by members of the Tabula Poetica program at Chapman University. You can admire the 2011 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest winners and honorable mentions as they are exhibited at the following locations during 2011 and 2012:

• San Francisco Bay Model, Sausalito, May 2011
• Ford House Museum, Mendocino, June through September 2011
• Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, San Pedro, October 2011 through January 2012

Help us spread the word: The 2012 Art and Poetry Contest deadline will be January 31. Guidelines and entry form, and galleries from previous years' contests, can be found online.