The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia is accepting submissions for its fourth annual "Be Kind to Animals Week" Youth Art Contest.

The society sponsors the art contest to highlight Be Kind to Animals Week, set for May 1-7.

Submissions are accepted from children and young adults from kindergarten through grade 12.

"Teaching children and young adults to care about animals actually educates them on caring about all livings things, from animals and people to the environment," said Kelley Uber, director of Education and Volunteer Development for HSNEGA.

The society will partner with the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville to promote the contest, with the first-place winner receiving a free week at the Quinlan's Pop Art 2011 summer art camp in June and July.

"Having just opened our own Youth Art Month exhibition at the Quinlan, I can say that it is the young artists that often have the most inventive works of art. Adding a theme as important as ‘Be Kind to Animals' is sure to inspire some compelling pieces," said Amanda Kroll McClure, the Quinlan's executive director.

Finalists will be recognized at a reception from 4:30-5:30 p.m. May 13 at the Elks Club in Gainesville, preceding the society's annual "Art with Heart" fundraiser. Entries will be judged in four categories with awards going to the top three in each plus an overall "Best in Show" winner.

Artwork submissions must be received at HSNEGA by 5 p.m. April 18. There is no fee.