Reid Dickson's poster won the 2011 Chairmen's Award (credit: Reid Dickson/naias.com)

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is home to elaborate concept cars and the 735,370 visitors who attended last year. Oh, and an annual poster competition for students.

Yes, you read that right. Along with glitzy new cars and wide-eyed automotive fanatics, there lies a competition that aims to bring recognition to local art communities by inspiring the creative minds of high school students and encouraging careers in automotive design. There were 740 submissions from 79 schools last year alone. How can you get in on the fun? You’re about to find out!

The NAIAS 24th annual poster competition invites all Michigan students in grades 10 through 12 to show their love for art and autos. The rules are simple: create a 25×21 poster that displays original, automotive themed artwork containing the following three words: North American International Auto Show 2012, Detroit, and Cobo Center. There’s no need to limit your artistic style, as mixed media suitable for reproduction and computer-generated graphics are allowed.

The 2011 Best Use of Color winner was Bridget Werner (credit: Bridget Werner/naias.com)

All submissions will be judged by an independent panel of recognized representatives from the local art community. As if the chance of having your poster displayed at the 2012 NAIAS and reproduced in the NAIAS official program isn’t enough of an incentive to get started, winning students in the 16 different categories (including grade specific prizes, best use of color, best theme, and most creative) will be awarded a combined total of $6,300 in scholarship money.

Don’t waste any time! Close your eyes and let inspiration flow because the last day to enter is November 22, 2011. To get more information on the contest and find out how you can submit your creation, visit http://www.naias.com

The 2012 North American International Auto Show is sponsored by NAIAS LLC, an association of Detroit area auto dealers.

Amanda Kopczynski is a Community Affairs Intern at WWJ-TV/CW50.