Frito-Lay North America’s Lay’s and Doritos launched a Black History Month Art Contest that asks consumers to submit an original piece of art online for a chance to win $5,000 and a gallery showing in their local community. The overall winner of the creative competition will be chosen in part by consumer voting.

In addition, Frito-Lay will donate $1 to the UNCF—United Negro College Fund—for each consumer vote received and for each piece of artwork entered. If consumers also submit the 9-digit code from a bag of Lay’s potato chips or Doritos tortilla chips when voting, Frito-Lay will donate another $1 to UNCF, up to a maximum of $35,000.  Frito-Lay is guarantying a minimum donation to UNCF of $25,000.

Image Courtesy: ‘Freedom Box’ by J’reyesha Brannon

«We are excited to enable artists to showcase their creativity in their local community,» said Linda Bethea, director, marketing, Frito-Lay North America. «Our partnership with the UNCF will provide scholarships to help more artists and students reach their full potential.»

Image Courtesy: ‘African Girl’ by Attiya Awadallah

The Lay’s potato chips and Doritos brand tortilla chips Black History Month Art Contest began January 18 and runs through February 28. Artists should go to www.celebratecommunityarts.com and upload a picture of an original piece of art created in any medium celebrating an African American achievement in Black History. Voting begins February 1, with the top five fan favorites winning $1,000. Frito-Lay will choose and announce the grand prize winner on March 25.