Michaels Launches Fine Art Competition ART CHALLENGE; Submit thru 8/15

Michaels (Nasdaq:MIK), North America's largest arts and crafts specialty retailer, is teaming with two of the world's leading fine art materials brands, Winsor & Newton and Liquitex, to present Art Challenge: A Fine Art Competition for serious and aspirational artists.

Michaels will accept images of original artworks in oil or acrylic paint on canvas or watercolor on watercolor paper beginning July 26 and continuing through Aug. 15 at Michaels.com/artchallenge or in Canada at Canada.Michaels.com/artchallenge.

All submitted images will be reviewed by a panel of four established leaders in the art world: Jimmy Leslie, resident artist for Liquitex and Winsor & Newton and director of their Fine Art Collective; Bruce McColl, director of art education, Currier Museum of Art; Mario
Robinson, Winsor & Newton brand ambassador; and John Viggiano, artist, Vigg Designs owner and co-director of The Collective Art Tank. The panel will select 10 semi-finalists the week of Aug. 16, and then one winner and three runners-up will be chosen by public vote Aug. 23-29.

"Partnering with Michaels for this competition allows Liquitex and Winsor & Newton to connect with artists throughout America and Canada while also giving us the privilege of helping them progress in their careers," said Leslie. "The Art Challenge also fulfills our deep desire, as a collective of art brands and artists, to help other artists explore and evolve their work."

The grand prize winner will receive $1,000 in cash and a $1,000 Michaels gift card, a seven-day trip for two to New Jersey to display their work at The Collective Art Tank in Asbury Park and an opportunity to visit some of the region's most popular art destinations. The winner's artwork will be replicated, framed and displayed in the custom framing area of each Michaels store.

"Serious artists have long looked to Michaels for affordable, high-quality canvases, paints, brushes and tools from top brands like Winsor & Newton and Liquitex," said Michaels Vice President - Category Marketing Jennifer Rawls. "As North America's leading fine arts supply retailer, we want to recognize these customers and showcase their work through the Art Challenge."

Runners-up will receive a $500 cash prize and a $500 Michaels gift card, and the remaining six semi-finalists will be awarded $100 in cash and a $100 Michaels gift card.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc. - The Michaels Companies, Inc., is North America's largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts. As of May 2, 2015, the Company owns and operates 1,177 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and 118 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces 12 exclusive private brands including Recollections(R), Studio Decor(R), Bead Landing(R), Creatology(R), Ashland(R), Celebrate It(R), ArtMinds(R), Artist's Loft(R), Craft Smart(R), Loops & Threads(R), Imagin8(R) and Make Market(TM). Visit www.Michaels.com for additional information.

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