LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Rural Arts Initiative, or LCRAI, and Lake County Land Trust invite Lake County students aged kindergarten through 12th grades to enter the “Explore Lake County Nature” photo contest.

Photos must be taken in Lake County.

Cash prizes will be awarded in three categories: kindergarten through fifth, sixth through eighth and ninth through 12th.

Prizes are $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place.

Contest winners will earn their classroom free art supplies in the amount of their prize.

Get out those cameras, cell phones and tablets and head outside. Submit photographs at www.LCRAI.org/contest.

Submissions must be received by April 26.

All photos will be printed by LCRAI and displayed at the Land Trust’s Art and Nature Day Celebration on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rodman Preserve and Nature Center, 3560 Westlake Road, Lakeport. Winners will be announced at 1 p.m.

This free event will include fun art and nature activities for children and grownups of all ages.

The Lake County Rural Arts Initiative is working with Lake County schools and community partners to bring arts to our children and help fund the expanded arts program the schools want and need; utilizing art teachers, local artists and combining the arts with more traditional subjects.

Art education increases test scores across every subject area, lowers dropout rates and closes the achievement gap regardless of socioeconomic status.

Most importantly, is it the basis for developing the No. 1 attribute sought by today’s and future employers, innovation and creativity.

Visit www.LCRAI.org for more information on Lake County Rural Arts Initiative, its programs, projects, contests and opportunities to get involved.