The Sheldon Art Galleries and Circus Flora are having an art contest inspired by this summer’s Circus Flora’s performances, The Wizard-Merlin & the Legends of King Arthur. Children Pre-K through 12th grade, who attend Circus Flora, are encouraged to express their love of the circus through original artwork. Art in all media are encouraged. Circus Flora runs from May 31-June 24, 2012, tickets are now on sale for the show at 314-289-4040 or www.circusflora.org.

The contest will recognize up to 40 of the most creative entries in an exhibition at the Sheldon Art Galleries’ AT&T Gallery of Children’s art in early 2013, and three winners will be chosen to receive prize baskets filled with art supplies, donated by Blick Art Materials. The first prize winner’s work will also be featured on posters and in other promotional pieces for the exhibition.

Young artists and their families can attend Artist Day at Circus Flora on Saturday, June 16 for an opportunity to sketch, paint and photograph morning rehearsals and the 2 p.m. performance. A 20% discount for tickets to this day’s matinee performance is available for young artists and their families. Contact Kate Poss-Morency at Circus Flora, 314-289-4043, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to take advantage of this discounted ticket offer. It is not necessary to attend the artist day on June 16 to enter the contest - all children who attend Circus Flora this summer are invited to create and submit artwork.

Submissions are due to The Sheldon by August 1, 2012 and should be mailed or delivered by appointment to: The Sheldon Art Galleries, 3648 Washington Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, 63108. Works on paper should be no more than 16 x 20 inches. Sculpture should be no larger than 36H x 20W x 20D inches. See The Sheldon’s website, www.thesheldon.org/circus.asp for submission policy and submission forms.