Nationwide Hispanic Art Contest.

How do you define Hispanic? Under the theme ‘We Are One But Made Of Many’ the contest encourages artists to capture and express their ideas of the diversity encountered in the Hispanic culture.

“This contest is the centerpiece of Nationwide’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, observed from September 15 through October 15; and it gives us another great opportunity to reach out to the community and celebrate with them the colorful mix of cultures and rich traditions of Hispanics,” says Marco Capalino – Director, Diverse Markets Nationwide Insurance. “When we say Nationwide ‘Is On Your Side’ to the forty million Hispanics who have made the United States their home, we mean it. This celebration is a demonstration of that,” Capalino adds.

Winners of the 2003 contest were: Alicia Gonzalez, first place; Pablo Santiago, second place; and Kristen Nicole Ramos, third place This year’s first-place winner will receive $800, second place $500, and third place $400. Winners’ paintings are currently being displayed in Nationwide’s headquarters and will be utilized in the future for a calendar. “The first time I won, I never imagined myself participating in an art contest, much less my work being one of the winning pieces,” said Gonzalez.

“Our sponsorship of this contest is another demonstration of our commitment to reach diverse consumers and maintain a strong presence in the community,” Capalino says.

Entries for this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest will be accepted through October 1, 2004 at One Nationwide Plaza, 1-28-25, Columbus, Ohio 43215-2220. Attention: Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest.

Participating artists should be legal residents of the U.S. and at least 18 years of age as of July 17, 2004. See official rules by visiting http://www.nationwide.com.