Victims of crime often struggle to navigate the criminal justice system, beginning with investigative interviews. Headquartered under the Nevada County District Attorney’s office, the Victims Witness Assistance Center (VWAC) supports victims of child abuse and neglect by consistently providing a supportive investigative process and diminishing the damage children experience through victimization.
Investigators from throughout the local law enforcement community utilize a youth-focused interview room when investigating potential criminal cases of child abuse and neglect, designed primarily for children aged 13 and younger. To better serve youth victims of crime, the VWAC team is committed to enhancing the child interview process by ensuring a safe, welcoming environment. To this end, youth from across Nevada County are invited to participate in a community-wide art contest designed to increase child abuse awareness and create a more youth-friendly interview experience.
Applicants age 14-18 will submit his or her original artwork to be voted on by a panel of judges. The author of the winning submission will reconstruct his or her winning artwork as a wall-sized mural in the VWAC’s child interview room and receive a $1,000 cash award provided by sponsoring agencies. Children under the age of 14 are invited to submit original artwork as well. The top five selected designs from the under 14 age category will be framed and displayed at the VWAC and those artists will each receive a $25 Jamba Juice gift certificate in recognition of their successful contribution.
To enter the Kindness is Contagious art contest:
1) Submit an original work of art and a separate cover sheet containing the following information: Youth’s first name, age, school/home school, guardian/parent contact telephone number and email and a 250-word or less explanation of the artist’s motivation for submission.
2) Original work must be submitted on 8.5 X 11 (unfolded) paper and depict a Kindness is Contagious theme. Watercolor, latex or acrylic medium is acceptable. Submit in a 12”X9” envelope and hand delivered or mailed to Nevada County Victim Witness Assistance Center, 201 Commercial Street, Nevada City, CA 95959. Submissions must be postmarked by January 3, 2022. The first-place winner must complete his or her mural utilizing acrylic- or latex-based paint. The VWAC will provide the supplies necessary to complete the final mural.
3) All qualified submissions will be viewed, judged and handpicked by a committee of sponsoring law enforcement agencies.
4) Panel Judging Criteria: Creativity 40%; representative of the theme and subject matter 30%; friendly and colorful content 30%.
By sending your submission you are confirming that if you are the winner of the 14-18 age category contest, you will be available to complete your painting within a specified timeframe at the designated facility in Nevada City and be able to do so within reasonable hours of operation. Applicant submissions in the under 14 category agree to allow their winning artwork to be displayed at the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Assistance Center. Submitted artwork will not be returned.
Questions: Call Senior Victim Advocate, Lori Nunnink 530-265-1247