SAN DIEGO — Easter Seals is asking San Diego County artists to submit original artwork for this year’s Easter Seals “seal” art contest to become one of the six official 2011 Easter Seals stamps used by the nonprofit agency to raise awareness for people with disabilities. Artists need to submit an original drawing or painting of a lily by Friday, Aug. 20. For more information about the contest, art specifications and entry form, visit www.EasterSeals.com. “This contest allows seasoned as well as new artists a wonderful opportunity to gain national exposure for their creative talents while helping Easter Seals raise awareness of our programs and services for people with disabilities,” said Easter Seals Southern California CEO Mark Whitley, in prepared statement. Since 1934, Easter Seals has been using decorative stamps to raise money and create awareness of its programs. The lily — a symbol of spring — was officially incorporated as the organization’s logo in 1952 for its association with resurrection and new life and has appeared on each seal since. Over the years, the stamps have come to be known as Easter “seals.” By 1967, the Easter seal was so well-recognized that the organization formally adopted the name Easter Seals. Easter Seals Southern California is a leading non-profit organization providing solutions to help adults and children living with autism and other disabilities find and keep employment, live in their own homes and learn daily living and social skills, and access pre-school and after-school services. Learn more about Easter Seals at www.SouthernCal.EasterSeals.com.