As election season hits its peak, you can also cast your ballot to pick the winner of the Cleveland Sews “Design The Vote” Art Contest.
Cleveland Sews, an education and workforce sewing program, uses upcycled materials to teach the trade and create opportunities for people in Cuyahoga County.
Earlier this year, Cleveland Sews put out a call for artists to submit original artwork that inspires civic engagement and promotes democratic participation.
The contest winner gets $500, plus their design printed on reusable tote bags. The bags will be distributed at local civic engagement events. Community members who vote for the winning design will receive a tote bag free.
Second- and third-place winners will receive $250 and have their designs featured during Cleveland Sews’ live screenprinting demonstrations at events.
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Around 30 artists submitted designs for the contest, ranging from pencil sketch drawings to abstract paintings. Several artworks feature birds, ballot boxes, the Statue of Liberty, and other symbols of peace and freedom. Many of the entries come from a partnership between Cleveland Sews and the Cuyahoga County Jail. Cleveland Sews worked with people housed at the downtown facility to help them to participate in the contest.
Contest winners are chosen by the same process they are promoting – a democratic vote.
Voters have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 to cast your ballot on Cleveland Sews’ website. One vote per person.