“I believe with great conviction that Barack Obama should be the next President of the United States. He was against the war when it was an unpopular position, is for energy and environmental conservation and supports real health care reform. He has awakened a massive grass roots movement and engaged the creative community in a way unseen before. Art provides the perfect platform to express our collective enthusiasm and commitment for change. The Manifest Hope Gallery will shine a light on artists using their works to engage their community and challenges other artists to do the same.” – Shepard Fairey

Shepard Fairey keeps popping up on LIAS. It might have something to do with his pivotal role in creating real momentum around our culture (aka The Supermarket). But then again… if any artist we tip out hat to was as vocally down as this man when it comes to Barack Obama’s campaign we’d give them some lovin’ too. Last week we brought you this, the week before a free mix by MSTRKRFT and Z Trip (cover art designed by Shepard) and now we give you, Manifest Hope Art Gallery. From Sunday, August 24 through Thursday, August 28 Shepard Fairey and Upper Playground will join forces for a pro-Obama art contest during the Democratic National Convention. They’re making it worth your wild to take a crack at it too.

The top five submissions (painting, sculpture, collage—any 2D or 3D creation) will earn a spot on the wall inside the 10,000 sq. ft. of gallery space in downtown Denver alongside some of the most widely recognized art pieces seen in the 2008 presidential campaign, as well as new works. Expect top shelf company like: Shepard Fairey, Sam Flores, Ron English, Chris Pastras, Mel Kadel and David Choe. The contest is set up similar to MoveOn.org’s “Obama in 30 seconds” contest, the submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges including famed artists Ross Bleckner, April Gornik, Eric Fischl, Shepard Fairey, musicians Moby, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth and DJ Spooky and Cydney Payton—Executive Director & Chief Curator Museum of Modern Art Denver, and Nancy Spector—Author & Guggenheim Curator of Contemporary Art. Even if you don’t make the top five, the top 30 submissions will get to present their works in an on-line gallery hosted by MoveOn.org and Obey Giant. The works will be presented to the public for bidding as an eBay auction with all funds donated to the MoveOn PAC. Submissions will be accepted until August 18… so get on it.