Art contest takes off at Bob Hope Airport

The art contest that gives local students a shot at having their art displayed on the main tower at Bob Hope Airport is back.

This year’s theme — “The Sky’s the Limit” — calls for high school students in Glendale, Burbank and Pasadena school districts to create a piece of art individually or with others.

Each district’s winning 17-foot-by-26-foot banner will remain on the airport’s terminal tower for three months at a time to be seen by more than 1 million people.

After the February deadline, each school district will narrow down three winning entries.

Judges will consider how the artwork relates to the theme, creativity and “general standards of decency and respect for diverse beliefs and values,” according the guidelines packet.

Final selection of one winning piece is up to each city’s art commission.

“By the time they present to the airport, we accept their recommendations,” said Lucy Burghdorf, the airport’s manager of public relations and government affairs.

Now in its sixth year, the annual competition rewards each district with $3,000 for arts education, while the money also gives the airport authority exclusive use of the winning piece for a two-year period.

Last year’s three winning pieces were created by high school seniors.

The work of former Crescenta Valley student Iris Kim is currently on display and will be followed by the work of Nalani Hernandez of Burbank High and Ali Jakubczyk of Pasadena High School.

Follow Kelly on Twitter @kellymcorrigan.