The Florida Department of Elder Affairs awarded the Town of Miami Lakes and its Elderly Affair Committee a $5,000 Community for a Lifetime Support Projects for Elders Grant to fund The Art Collaborative. The Art Collaborative is an intergenerational art education and exchange program in partnership with the Youth Activities Task Force and the Cultural Affairs Committee, culminating in a Gallery Night Grand Opening and Weekend exhibition. The Art Collaborative includes an intergenerational component allowing youth volunteers to work with seniors in the art classes at the Mary Collins and Robert Alonso Community Centers. The juried exhibition will select the artworks to be displayed. Entries will be judged based on technical quality, composition, originality and artistic merit. First, second and third place winners will be awarded in the following categories: Professional Artists, Amateur Artists, Students (Elementary, Middle and High School), and Seniors (60+ years). A special People’s Choice Award will be presented to the artwork with the most votes through the use of social media. All winning entries will be on display at Town Hall during the Gallery Night Grand Opening in June. All interested artists must pick up The Art Collaborative competition guidelines and entry form from Town Hall, 6601 Main Street, or download at www.miamilakes-fl.gov. All competition entries must be submitted in person no later than Friday, May 16, at Town Hall. For more information about the competition, contact Special Events and Committees coordinator Clarisell De Cardenas at 305-364-6100, or via email at decardenasc@miamilakes-fl.gov. High school students interested in volunteering in The Art Collaborative program are asked to contact Katya Lysak at 305-698-9308, or via email at lysakk@miamilakes.fl.gov. Community service hours will start on Friday, March 21.