Ashro, the premier apparel company for African American women, in partnership with the Ashro Community Council and UMOJA magazine, is sponsoring The Onward & Upward Artist Showcase. Art has always been a key piece in the rich storytelling of the Black experience. We’re seeking submissions that speak to this year’s theme: The Black Experience: Empowerment and Gratitude.
“As part of our efforts to support the Black community, we created this contest to reach out to aspiring or established artists to celebrate Black heritage and culture. I’m looking forward to making a connection with someone and their art that we might feature within our Ashro merchandise offer.” says Suzanne Sawyer, Ashro Merchandising Brand Director.
The Onward & Upward Artist Showcase Contest is open to legal residents in the U.S. states of Wisconsin and Illinois who are sixteen (16) years of age or older as of entry dates. Artists who enter the showcase can win one of three awards based on weighted judging criteria. The prizes include the “Ashro Excellence Award” and the winner receives a computer tablet and UMOJA magazine subscription, the “UMOJA Impact Award” with the winner receiving a computer tablet and UMOJA magazine subscription, and the “Milele Chikasa Anana’s Young Adult Award” with the winner receiving a $1,000 scholarship and UMOJA magazine subscription.
Entry criteria can be found in the Official Rules tab of the entry website by clicking here or going to this site. (https://www.ashro.com/blog/afrocentric-fashion/ashro-art-contest/. To be considered, all entries must be submitted by 11:59 P.M. Central Time (CT) on September 15, 2021. Entrants must upload an image of the art submission and provide a short description that does not exceed 500 characters (or 70-130 words) of what inspired his or her creation.
About Ashro:
Ashro, based in Monroe, Wisconsin, is a women’s brand owned by Swiss Colony, a subsidiary of Colony Brands, that sells apparel, shoes, and fashion accessories. The Ashro Community Council, a collection of Ashro employees, is committed to positively impacting the African American community. Ashro has partnered with UMOJA Magazine, the oldest African American magazine owner in Wisconsin, to showcase, uplift, and support the creativity of Black artists.