The "Big Read' is inviting artwork based on the writings of Edgar Allan Poe, the event's featured writer.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Big Read program, sponsored by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, in association with Arts Midwest and the Lake County Office of Education, is a community reading event which connects art and other cultural activities to the joy of reading throughout a community.

The program month for Lake County is October and our featured writer is Edgar Allan Poe.

An art and short film contest is under way and they invite readers of all ages to produce an original art piece or four-minute video based on a short story, essay or poem of Poe.

Winning entries will be highlighted in the countywide array of events and in a traveling gallery.

Films will be included in the Big Read film festival in October.

Artwork can be designed using any medium and the winning pieces may be displayed for commission in the Lake County Arts Council showroom.

Individuals or school groups are invited to submit their work which is due to the Lake County Office of Education by Friday, Sept. 23.

Schools can arrange to have their classroom project transported by the Lake County Office of Education courier, and individuals can drop off their work at Lake County Office of Education from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the due date.

For more information, please contact Tamsen Nash, Big Read volunteer at 707-928-9621 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Schoolteachers, please contact Robin Shrive, Big Read program director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information or assistance.

All artwork and videos should include a short summary of the literary inspiration.