The Renaissance Youth Bike Shop and The Engaged University are proud to announce this special design competition. Please see attachment for details, registration deadline has been extended to May 4th. Last chance to apply and have your work featured!

Please help us spread the word by sharing this with anyone who may be interested. Thanks.

-- Adam Schwartz Program Coordinator, Renaissance Youth Bike Shop The Engaged University 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, MD adamgs@umd.edu (301) 405-3213

*P.S. (Text only version below.)

HEADS UP! ReDefine the Helmet Competition*

*Calling all artists of all ages, backgrounds and descriptions to showcase your talents. Your charge is to Re-invent, Re-define and Re-brand the bike helmet to save lives. Design is the extra sizzle and awesomesauce that can change minds and shift actions. We are reaching out to others with ideas and imaginative design skills. Can you help to redefine bike helmets as an essential fashion statement?*

*To Submit: *Contact Adam or Noma @ The Renaissance Youth Bike Shop to register, submit designs and receive special prototype helmet canvas.

*Concept Designs due May 4th, 2009 Completed helmets due May 22nd, 2009 ** Award & Exhibition Opportunities: *You could be eligible for a 25% creator’s commission on a custom line of helmets offered for sale at local shops. Selected entries will also be featured in Art-O-Matic 2009, on our University-linked website and in many other broadcast and print media.

*Eligibility:* Any resident of Washington, D.C. metro area, Maryland, Virginia *Judging criteria: *Youth appeal, humor, and audacity rule. Vibrant colors, powerful letterforms and character renderings welcome. Creative pastiche, sampling o.k. Please, no copywrite or trademark violations. Collaborations encouraged. A fully realized, completed helmet is a necessary part of the final entry. *Jurors: *Youth and staff at The Engaged University ( http://www.engagedu.umd.edu)

Who we are: *The Renaissance Youth Bike Shop (a project of The Engaged University @ UMCP). We are a youth-based, bike recycling shop and afterschool program that uses the bicycle as a catalyst to enhance the lives of young people through educational, recreational and entrepreneurial hands-on learning opportunities.

*Contact us! * • Adam Schwartz, 301-405-3213, adamgs@umd.edu • Noma Mpofu, 301-405-2285, nmpofu@umd.edu