A METH-OD TO BEAT THE MADNESS

All over Montana, teenage artists have created striking outdoor works of art that are heartfelt anti-meth messages. They are participating in the Paint the State contest, with prizes awarded in all 56 counties, plus a grand state prize. This is the second time the Montana Meth Project has sponsored the contest.

July 19 was the deadline to send in photos of the completed entries. 

Judges in every county are at work, trying to pick the top three entries. Entries will be judged on a 100-point scale based on the meth prevention message (40 points), artistic merit and creativity (40 points), and public visibility (20 points). 

The county first-place award is $1,500, second is $1,000, and third is $500. 

The four entries from Valley County are posted on the contest website, paintthestatemontana.org. One is east of Hinsdale, across from the rodeo grounds. The others are in or near Glasgow: on a wall of Alley's Palace on Front Street, at the entrance to Sullivan Park, and on a fence at the old Trailside building east of town.

Winners will be announced on Aug. 20.