The Shedd Aquarium will accept applications for the Coastal America Ocean Art Contest, sponsored by Coastal America.

The contest asks K-12, college and university students to paint a picture of the importance of the oceans, coasts and Great Lakes, according to a press release.

Pieces will be judged on visual impact, artistic merit and how clearly the artwork conveys the vision of the Nation’s Ocean Policy.

Entries will be judged by grade-level categories. Entries should include a narrative between 50 to 150 words explaining which principle of ocean literacy the work reflects. Winning artwork will be displayed at the Shedd Aquarium. Local first place winners will be eligible to compete in the regional and national level.

More information on the Nation’s Ocean Policy, the principles of ocean literacy and other contest details are available at coastalamerica.gov or sheddaquarium.gov.