Sending out postcards as mementos to family and friends about our vacation experiences is a popular way of keeping in touch. Oftentimes, we add the familiar words, “Wish you were here.”

While postcards serve as a pleasant form of greeting and communication, some also see postcards as an art form.

The Postcard Art Competition and Exhibition (PACE) is now open for submissions. The event, sponsored by the Curt Teich Postcard Achieves and the Lake Country Discovery Museum, is accepting entries from artists 18 years or older.

The work submitted must be original. Photographs must be also original and not merely photographs of the original. Digital art is acceptable.

Entries are judged upon technical excellence, creativity, and content. A final set of twelve winning postcards will be made and the ease of reproduction of the submitted artwork is also a factor that will be considered in determining finalists.

Artists may submit as many entries as they wish. The entry fee is $20 per set of three works. An additional $5 for each entry past the original set of three must be enclosed.

Artwork must be 4″ x 6″. Each entry needs to be matted in a 4″ x 6″ window cut in an 8″ x 10″ mat board. Designs may be vertical or horizontal. Do not frame entries.

Twelve winners will be selected. Each winner will receive $150 and 200 postcards printed with their design. Winning entries will be eligible for Awards of Excellence in the amounts of $300, $200, and $100 for first, second, and third place, respectively. Winning designs will be displayed at the Lake County Discovery Museum and other galleries.

Twenty-four merit award winners will also be selected. Their designs will be offered for auction to the general public at a price not to exceed $150 per postcard.

A 30% commission is charged by the Lake County Discovery Museum on all works sold.

The deadline for entries is July 13, 2009. For a complete set of guidelines, contest rules, and the official entry form, click here.