Star Wars at D23: The Art Awakens

Disney’s very own convention, D23, kicked off today, and StarWars.com has a piece on a special pieces of art that fans attending the con, can get their hands on, and in the process, help a great cause in UNICEF. The art will be limited edition The Force Awakens metal prints by DKNG and Mark Englert at the Art Awakens booth — #1415. Proceeds benefit UNICEF Kid Power initiative in the name of Star Wars: Force for Change, a cause championed by director J.J. Abrams.

Also, as part of the Journey to Force Awakens — the huge marketing campaign for Star Wars: The Force Awakens — Lucasfilm and HP are joining forces for what they are calling “Art Awakens.” Starting August 11, a two month, nationwide fan art competition will take place, across the US.

"“Amateur artists can submit theirStar Wars: The Force Awakens inspired art on ArtAwakens.com  for a chance to be featured in an upcoming professional art exhibit later in the year.”"

But wait, there’s more Star Wars inspired art news. This November, at Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles, a three day Star Wars: The Force Awakens art exhibit will take place, which will feature top professional and emerging contemporary artists. All proceeds from the auctioned art, will benefit Star Wars: Force for Change/UNICEF Kid Power.

The five winners of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Fan Art Contest, which will be chosen by a committee that includes members from Disney, Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), will have their art featured in the professional gallery exhibit. The winners will also have the opportunity to be flown out to Los Angeles to attend the VIP opening night, among other prizes from HP.

"“Additionally, an HP “Bend the Rules” Award will be granted to one of the five grand prize winners upon completion of a questionnaire with the highest score in the Innovative Use of Technology category. The HP “Bend the Rules” Award winner will receive an HP Notebook Computer to help them push the boundaries of art and creativity.”"

This all sounds like a great opportunity for aspiring artists and Star Wars fans to get involved with a great cause in UNICEF, and possibly have their own art shown to literally millions of adoring Star Wars fans. This also serves to help connect an entirely new generation to the Star Wars saga.

Next: Benicio Del Toro Confident on his Role in Star Wars: Episode VIII