Henrietta Lacks Hometown Initiative Design Contest

Please note the contest ended on March 15, 2024.

Calling all artists in Southern Virginia! The Henrietta Lacks Hometown Initiative is seeking to erect a life-sized statue of the “Mother of Modern Medicine,” Henrietta Lacks. Artists in Southern Virginia are encouraged to submit their designs and be a part of recognizing this world-renowned historical figure. The winning submission will be used by the sculptor as inspiration for the commemorative statue. The Southern VA Higher Education Center is proud to support the Hometown Initiative, and its work to celebrate Halifax County’s “hometown hero” Henrietta Lacks.

To download a pdf of contest guidelines click here.

About the Contest:

Henrietta Lacks was raised in Clover, VA and Halifax County was her home until the financial pressures of World War II led her family to move to Baltimore, MD in search of economic opportunity. Halifax remained in her heart, and Henrietta returned to her beloved community whenever she could. Sadly, those trips were cut short when cervical cancer claimed her life at the age of 31. Though Henrietta’s life ceased, the cells harvested from her did not. These HeLa cells continued dividing and thriving in the lab, becoming the first human cell line to live outside the human body.

Since 1951, HeLa cells have been an instrumental part of scientific research and medical breakthroughs. These immortal cells have been used for the development of life-changing treatments including the polio vaccine and discovery of human papillomaviruses (HPV) and the HPV vaccine. HeLa cells have also been used in ground-breaking medical research studying treatments for cancer, hemophilia, and Parkinson’s disease, and continue to be used today. Because of this, Henrietta Lacks is widely regarded as the “Mother of Modern Medicine,” and is one of Halifax County’s hometown heroes.

Design Contest Guidelines

  • We are seeking submissions to serve as the inspiration for a life-sized, commemorative statue of Henrietta Lacks. While we welcome creativity, designs should feature a life-like drawing of Henrietta Lacks.
  • Contest submissions will serve as inspiration for the sculptor but may not result in an exact replication of the design. Designs may be altered by the sculptor and/or his/her team as needed.
  • Participants must complete and submit their design, entry form, and Design/Artwork Release Agreement no later than 5:00pm on March 15th to , submitted in person at The Prizery located at 700 Bruce St., South Boston, VA, or mailed to The Prizery, Attn: Henrietta Lacks Design Contest, 700 Bruce Street, South Boston, VA 24592.
  • If submitting a design electronically it must be submitted in one of the following file formats: JPG, PDF, PNG.
  • Parents must sign the Design/Artwork Release Agreement for any child 17 years or younger to enter the art contest.
  • Participants may only submit ONE entry and all designs must be original work.

How to Enter:

Submit your design, entry form, and signed Design/Artwork Release Agreement no later than 5:00pm on March 15th using one of the methods listed below:

  1. Email:  . Must be a jpg, png, or pdf.
  2. Mail: The Prizery, Attn: Henrietta Lacks Design Contest, 700 Bruce Street, South Boston, VA 24592.
  3. In Person: Submit in person at The Prizery located at 700 Bruce St., South Boston, VA 24592.

Eligibility & Design Deadline:

The Henrietta Lacks Design Contest is open to anyone residing in Southern Virginia. One entry per person. Contest entries must be received by 5:00pm on March 15th. No late entries will be accepted. Anyone under the age of 18 may enter the contest with the permission of a parent/guardian. The Design/Artwork Release Agreement must be signed by a parent/guardian for anyone under the age of 18.

Selection:

A panel of judges will select the winning submission. Submissions will be judged on realism and creativity and how well the design can translate to a bronze statue.

Prizes & Recognition:

The winning submission will be framed and placed on public display. The winner will also receive public recognition through various media outlets (press release, website, social media, etc.). The winner will be contacted and notified in advance.