Washington, D.C. - Go fly a kite is the inspiration for the 2016 Cherry Blossom Youth Art Contest hosted by the Edison Place Gallery March 22 through April 19.

No kites are flying inside the Pepco office building and none are going to be built there either (at least during company time). Instead, student artwork from around the region highlighting kite themes will be displayed to honor 50 years of kite festivals in Washington, D.C. and also to mark the National Park Service centennial.

Students in grades K-12 from all eight wards in Washington, D.C. were challenged to create artwork incorporating flying a kite on the grounds of the Washington Monument or other memorials; extra points were awarded for including an image of iconic cherry trees.

Entries are judged on adherence to the theme, creativity, and originality. The panel of judges will determine a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize in grade categories, Kindergarten to grade 2, grades 3 to 5, grades 6 to 8 and grades 9 to 12.

Winners of the Youth Art Contest along with their families, teachers, and school officials are invited to an Awards Reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 19.

Based on the top 12 entries the judges select, the public will vote on a "People's Choice" entry on the Blossom Kite Festival's Facebook account during the festival from March 20 - April 17.

The Pepco Edison Place Gallery is open with free admission noon to 4 p.m. each Tuesday through Friday and is located at 702 Eighth St., NW, Washington, DC.   

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