Southwest Florida graphic artists have just a few more days to submit their best design ideas for the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation’s Graphic Artist Design Contest.

September 10 is the deadline to submit the ideas which will be used on printed materials, apparel and other items of the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation.

“We’ve been very pleased by the many phone calls and requests for more information that we have received so far,” said Foundation Director Wanda F. Barr. “Our goal has been to highlight the talent of Southwest Florida’s business community and our many local artists by showing their designs on the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation Web site.”

Two winners, chosen online by popular vote, will each receive a $250 cash prize and the satisfaction of seeing their art displayed with their name on printed materials, apparel and other items of the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation.

Entries may be submitted in two categories:

A theme idea for the 10th anniversary of the Edison-Ford Winter Estates Foundation GALA in November, 2010. Artists should submit a design that artistically represents their idea, for use on invitations, programs, and other uses;

A graphic illustration to be used on promotional products and apparel sold for fund-raising purposes at events and on the foundation’s Web site.

“Winning the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation Graphic Contest not only lends prestige to the chosen artist, but also can serve as a catalyst in building a successful career. It’s also an opportunity to become part of the legacy of this national treasure,” Barr said.

Both amateurs and professionals, including printing companies and other Southwest Florida businesses, are welcome to enter the contest, which costs $35 per entry. All entrants must be at least 18 years of age to enter.

Barr said that all entries will be posted on the foundation’s Web site and the winner in each category will be selected by popular vote online by individuals who register as a Friend of the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation at www.edisonfordfoundation.org

In addition to the cash prize, the two winners will be special guests of the foundation at this year’s GALA on November 6 at the Edison Ford Winter Estates. GALA is the signature event of the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation that Gulfshore Life Magazine has called “the Premier Event of Southwest Florida” in November.

The winner of the second category also will have his/her name included on the reproduction of the winning artwork on a t-shirt to be presented for the first time at this year’s GALA.

Early orders for the T-shirt will be accepted from September 19 through November 6 on the foundation’s Web site at the discounted price of $15 plus shipping. T-shirts also may be picked up at the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation office at the Galloway Ford dealership on Boy Scout Drive beginning November 9. The t-shirt price will increase to $20 after November 6 and will be sold throughout the next year, leading up to GALA 2010, Barr said.

There are specific guidelines for submission of artwork, which may be mailed on CD to the Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation, P. O. Drawer 88, Fort Myers, FL 33902. Entry guidelines and applications are available on the foundation’s Web site at www.edisonfordfoundation.org.

For more information, call Barr at 239-274-2377.