The Holocaust Museum and Learning Center (HMLC) is seeking entries for its annual Art and Writing Contest, which asks creative middle and high school students to express themselves about the difficult and inspiring lessons of the Holocaust. 

This is the 12th year that the competition has been held in dedication to the memory of the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust and in honor of the grandchildren of sponsors Dr. Ira (z”l) and Judith Gall. 

Winners will be awarded cash prizes, and their entries will be displayed at the museum and in other area locations.

Entries must be received by the museum no later than 4 p.m. April 17; postmarks will not accepted, and HLMC will be closed April 15 and 16 for Passover.

For the writing contest, students may write a poem, newspaper article, story, play/dialogue or essay. Entries will be judged on content, originality, and quality of expression and accuracy. 

Art entrants may create a sculpture, drawing, photograph, painting, poster, collage or five-minute video on DVD. The work will be judged on creativity, excellence and content.

Official rules, submission details and further information are listed on the entry form, which can be picked up at the HMLC at 12 Millstone Campus Drive or downloaded from the museum’s website at hmlc.org/artandwriting.

There will be two divisions each in the art and writing categories: Division 1 for sixth- through eighth-graders, and Division 2 for students in ninth through 12th grades. In each division in each category, prizes will be $300 and a certificate for first place, $200 and a certificate for second, $100 and a certificate for third, and honorable-mention prizes of $25 and a certificate. Winners will be notified by May 2.

For more information, call 314-442-3714.