Yosemite, California - Yosemite National Park and Ansel Adams Gallery announce the fifth annual Gateway Expressions Student Art and Poetry Contest. The Gateway Expressions Student Art and Poetry Contest celebrates the creativity of youth in Yosemite's gateway communities.

The contest is open to all students, grades K-12, who attend school or youth programs within the gateway community school districts of Yosemite National Park, as well as Sonora, Bishop, and Mammoth, California. Students should submit artwork and poetry no later than Wednesday, October 7, 2015.

Artwork or poetry should be original and communicate a connection to Yosemite's natural or cultural history. Subject matter can focus on wildlife, plants, scenic areas, iconic features, seasonal changes, conservation and protection, or the legacy that Yosemite represents. This year, students may enter artwork into a new category honoring the creation of the National Park Service (NPS) in celebration of the upcoming NPS Centennial. 

Selected student artwork and poetry will be featured in an exhibit at The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Valley. Students will also be recognized and acknowledged at a special awards ceremony on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Ansel Adams Gallery from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Contest winners will be notified by phone. 

Gateway Expressions is one way that Yosemite is working toward the National Park Service Centennial goal of connecting with and creating the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates. For more information about the Centennial and how you can join the celebration, please visit www.findyourpark.com. 

For more information about the contest, contest guidelines, and entry forms, please call 209-375-9503 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

Yosemite Conservancy provides support for this student inspired project.