Project: Red Paint is our HIV Awareness through Art program was first introduced in 2007 with the Long Beach Unified School District, California State University - Long Beach and the University by the Sea program.  It is designed with a single purpose -- to create dialogue about HIV through art.  The community wide art project is open to middle school, high school and the public for our third annual event.

This year, our third year of Project: Red Paint, a record number of entries were entered into the event.  We even received "non-competition" entries from students at a Colorado Middle School doing African studies and AIDS in Africa.  Once again students demonstrated understanding of the topic, resourcefulness and use of color and medium for their artwork.

We encourage them to use any medium they feel comfortable using and incorporate a "Red AIDS Ribbon" in the artwork. Kids are very resourceful.  Here's what some kids told a reporter for the Press Telegram: "People this is a disease that affects only certain people, but it affects everyone," said Devyn Amescua.  "It's good to know how we can keep others aware," said Carolina Vallejo. "They don't really talk about this at school."

15 finalists were selected at a public art exhibit displayed at The Hellada Galleries located at 117 Linden Ave in the East Village Art District. Artworks were judged by the public and an Art Jury Panel.  All 15 Finalists are advancing to the Final Competition Round at the World AIDS Day event on December 1, 2009 at MoLAA.

Winners in each age category will be selected from the finalists on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2009.  This is a day that includes art, education, entertainment and activities in the Balboa Room and free to the public.  Download your art entry rules aapplication here.

Hundreds of people viewed and judged the artwork entries at Hellada Galleries in the East Village Arts District.