HOUSTON, January 11, 2018 - The Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA), a non-profit dedicated to supporting Houston community non-profit organizations, will announce the top 30 finalists for the Direct Energy Middle School Art Competition at the "Art in the Middle" reception on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Spring Street Studios located at 1824 Spring Street, Houston, TX 77007.

The Direct Energy Middle School Art Competition is an education initiative offered by ACA, the producers of Bayou City Art Festival. Students in grades 5th- 8th from Houston area private schools, charter schools, and public independent school districts are eligible to participate. The art contest offers middle school students the opportunity to participate in a 2-D juried competition, have their art displayed in public, interact with working artists, and win prizes for themselves and their school's art program.

The public along with students, parents, teachers and district representatives are invited to attend the Direct Energy "Art in the Middle" reception and view artwork from more than 700 students. During the reception, working artists such as Joel Anderson and Tony Paraná will speak to the students about exploring their creativity in the arts. Lite bites and refreshments will be served. The students' artwork will also be in exhibition at Spring Street Studios from Wednesday, January 31 through Saturday, February 3, 2018.

The top 30 finalists will have the opportunity to display their art at Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park March 23-25, 2018. The finalists' artwork will also be posted for web-based voting to determine the "People's Choice Award." Online voting will take place Tuesday, February 13 through Monday, February 26, 2018 at www.artcolonyassociation.org. Additionally, the finalists will receive tickets to the Memorial Park festival, a finalist award ribbon and a Direct Energy gift bag.

ACA will announce 1st, 2nd and 3rd place along with the winner of the "People's Choice Award" at a special reception at Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park on Sunday, March 25, 2018,at 1 p.m.

WHEN: Direct Energy Art in the Middle Reception

Saturday, February 3, 2018

2-4 p.m.

WHERE: Spring Street Studios

1824 Spring Street

Houston, TX 77007