Local student artists can put their skills to the test with a chance to have their work featured on the 2015 Butterflies and Bridges Run T-shirt.

The eighth annual race is set for Saturday, April 8, but the deadline for entries into the art contest is Friday, Feb. 6.

“What we wanted to do is give the non-athlete students the opportunity to get some recognition,” said Bill Potter, the race coordinator. “Art has taken a backseat, and there’s a lot of good artists out there —student artists out there — and it gives them an opportunity to show what they can do. And it gives them recognition for it.”

The art competition had the most entries ever last year, and Potter said he is hoping for the same this year.

“I would like it if we got 40 or 45 again this year that would be a good year,” Potter said.

Local renowned artists from the Selma Art Guild will make up the panel of judges for the competition.

“[The judges are] looking at the embodiment of the Butterflies and Bridges Run,” Potter said. “They’re looking for the originality of ideas expressed, and then the quality of art — the execution, and the visual impact.”

There are three categories of which participants will be placed. Division one is for students in grades three through five, division two is grades six through eight and division three is for high school students grades nine through 12.

A winner will be selected from each category, and will receive a $25 cash prize. The overall winner will be given a $75 cash prize along with having their work featured on the 2015 race shirts. All winners will have their work framed or matted.

Entries must be 8.5 by 11 inches and watercolors or colored pencil is preferred but not required.

For all of the rules and an entry form, visit www.selmacitysports.com then click “About.”

“There’s not an entry fee,” Potter said. “It’s just open to any Dallas County school student grades three through 12.”

The Butterflies and Bridges Run benefits the athletic programs for the Selma City Schools, and is a big fundraiser each year. Potter said the race is meant to encourage students to stay active in school.

“If we can keep our student athletes motivated and it would keep them in school, their grades are better, then the student body at large benefits,” Potter said.

“Our biggest incentive is just to keep them in school and keep them active and involved in the school.”