Bloglander

click to enlarge

Sean Kenney

The LEGO sculptures in the upcoming exhibit are themed around nature.

In conjunction with a new touring exhibit opening next month that speaks to imaginations of all ages, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture is inviting the public to pitch in their creative skills through an innovative contest.

Nature Connects: LEGO Brick Sculptures opens at the MAC on November 14, and features 27 enormous, nature-themed sculptures by New York artist Sean Kenney, all made using the popular building block toy. We're talking a five-foot tall butterfly, a seven-foot-tall rose and other massive creations that defy the scale and scope of the tiny blocks. The touring exhibit is to be on display at the museum through February 7, 2016, so don't wait too long to see it in person if you've got fond childhood memories of LEGOs, or a household of intuitive young builders.

There's another way to get involved with this special exhibit — build your own LEGO sculpture to be displayed alongside Kenney's renowned work, which is traveling around the U.S. through 2019.

Because sculptures submitted for the contest are due before the exhibit opens — the deadline is Friday, Nov. 6 — it's time to get building now. Here are the official contest rules.

The MAC staff know a love for LEGOs transcends age, so the contest is open to all, with categories for kids and adults. Only one entry is allowed per person, and it must be constrained to 14-inches tall, wide and deep. Also, don't think about going out and buying the coolest new LEGO kit you can find. Qualifying entries must be original designs, though it's safe to say you can probably use a few specialty pieces from such sets if they're used in new and original ways.

Each age group will bestow "Viewers Choice" awards in first through third place, with cash prizes for each. Additionally, one sculpture will be selected as "Best in Show." All prizes will be announced on December 19. Because it depends on the number of entries and the gallery space available, MAC staff don't yet know how many submitted pieces can be displayed alongside Kenney's sculptures.

So, if you're fresh out of ideas of things to do and see this weekend, break out that box of LEGOs and get building!

click to enlarge