Blaine County residents entering the Montana Meth Project's Paint the State 2023 art contest now have the opportunity to compete for major cash prizes thanks to the generous support of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. Prizes totaling more than $100,000, including three $10,000 grand prizes, will be awarded to the top submissions. One winner could win up to $20,000.

The Meth Project launched Paint the State 2023 earlier this year as a much-needed on-the-ground drug prevention initiative. The contest invites everyone 13 years of age and older to create monument-sized original public works of art that inspire vibrant drug-free lives, while incorporating the Meth Project's "Not Even Once" message. Blaine County teen participants will compete in the Central Montana division and for the top teen statewide prizes; adult participants will compete statewide. Registration is currently open in teen and adult divisions at PaintTheState.org.

"We are proud to champion this program in promoting drug-free lives," said Mike Halligan, executive director of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. "As the drug epidemic threatens the futures of our youth, families and communities, we encourage all Montanans to engage in Paint the State. Create an entry, offer a location for an art installation or donate supplies. We can all contribute and make a difference."

To compete for a total of 45 cash prizes, participants must register by May 31, 2023, and install their artwork by June 30, 2023. Artwork must be installed within state boundaries. Teen entries will compete for three statewide prizes at $10,000, $5,000 and $3,000 as well as 30 additional prizes ranging from $3,000 to $500 in six regional competitions. Adults will compete statewide for eight prizes spanning from $10,000 to $500. Additionally, all entries will compete through public online voting for three People's Choice Awards including the People's Choice Grand Prize of $10,000.

Judging and public online voting will take place over the summer, and the Meth Project will announce the winners in late summer.