HARTFORD - American Arts Marketing has issued a call for young artists to submit work for display and sale at the American Fine Craft Show. Sales of the work - in addition to sales of contemporary American crafts by participating fine artists and vendors during the second annual three-day event - will benefit the Connecticut Children's Medical Center (CCMC).americanfinecraftshowhartford.com, and then scroll down to the Children's Art Show icon for additional details and an application form.americanfinecraftshowhartford.com.

The works will be displayed at the XL Center, April 8-10. The children's artwork should be based on the theme "Family Portrait."

All Connecticut middle and high schools are encouraged to submit entries. Entries will be divided into two groups: eighth grade and under, and grades 9-12

Children's art will be sold for $15 each at the show. Any submissions not sold will be donated to CCMC to be on display at its various locations.

Entries should be delivered via UPS, FedEx, USPS or in person to Large & Page Communications, 242 Newbury Street in Hartford, no later than 3 pm Thursday, April 7.

Each artist entering the contest, and one parent or guardian, will be admitted to the American Fine Craft Show for free.

The top three entries in each age group will receive a puzzle box from Richard Rothbard's Boxology.com.

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The American Fine Craft Show features all handcrafted works, including glass, furniture, ceramics, decorative and wearable art, photography, sculpture, painting, jewelry, wood, and metal from 100 jury-selected American crafts artisans, fine artists and designers from all regions of the country, including more than a dozen from Connecticut. Live demonstrations and music will also highlight the weekend.

First Look Benefit Day will be on April 8 between 11 am and 7 pm. Artists will donate ten percent of their Friday sales and American Art Marketing will donate a percentage of weekend ticket sales to CCMC. Tickets for the First Look preview are $11, and customers will have the first opportunity to see and purchase some amazing one-of-a-kind works.

The show, located in the exhibition area of the XL Center at One Civic Center Plaza, will also be open Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. General admission tickets are $14 per adult ($16 for a two-day pass), $13 seniors (age 65+), and $8 for students with valid ID. Children age 10 and under will be admitted for free.

For additional show information and discount admission coupons, call 860-956-9500 or visit