First UNZIP art and film festival In an effort to raise awareness about the pitfalls of meth use, local artists can display their thought-provoking art and film entries for the upcoming first-an

Stephanie Coffin checks out the art for the Meth Art & Film Festival, Miners Foundry, Nevada City.

The Union photo/John Hart

Jim Hinman (left), the on-site administrator at Earle Jamieson High School in Grass Valley, chats with a student; a recovered meth user, Matt Sutherlain; and Amy Gonella, Nevada Union School District's Wellness Coordinator, following a second presentation at the school by Nevada County Meth Action Team (NCMAT). The purpose of it was to engage students in developing an effective power point meth presentation aimed at teens. According to Michele Schiro, project coordinator for Nevada County Meth Action Team, teens 18 to 24 years old are the most likely group to use meth; the second highest meth use is among teens 14 to 17 years old. Earle Jamieson High School is a court ordered high school for kids who have not yet been successful elsewhere. Says Schiro, "Only two of the current youth attending live with both their parents, several are in foster care, and many others live with or come from families dealing with poverty, drug use and struggling single parents. Submitted photo

In an effort to raise awareness about the pitfalls of meth use, local artists can display their thought-provoking art and film entries for the upcoming first-annual UNZIP art and film festival.

Why UNZIP? Among other nicknames, meth is often referred to as "zip" on the street, according to local narcotics officers.

According to United States Department of Justice, drug trafficking operations that have moved south of the border are producing purer meth than ever before, potentially resulting in a more rapid onset of addiction to the drug.

Meth produced in Mexico often finds its way into the hands of Nevada County addicts, local police say.

"Throughout the country, methamphetamine has wreaked havoc on families and community," Nevada County Meth Action Team Project Coordinator Michelle Schiro wrote. "It is highly addictive and can ruin lives, damage physical and psychological health and adversely affect those close to the user."

To raise awareness and battle the devastating effects of meth use in Nevada County, including health problems, poverty, child neglect and property crimes, the Nevada County Meth Action Team has been soliciting entries for the festival since last March.

Schiro has asked that the art and film entries raise awareness about the effects of meth.

There are three categories - under 18, 18 or older and a film category. First prize for each is $300, second is $200.

All entries will be showcased at the free festival from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Miners Foundry, 325 Spring St., Nevada City. Food, music, a raffle and speakers are also a part of the event.

Call 470-2644 or visit the meth action team's Web site at www.nevadacountymethactionteam.com for registration forms and information.

Meth art and film festival

For more information about the UNZIP art and film festival, including instructions on how to register your entry that raises awareness of the dangers of meth addiction, visit www.nevadacounty

methactionteam.com or call 470-2644.

All entries will be showcased at the free festival from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., May 18 at the Miners Foundry Cultural Center, featuring food, music, a raffle and speakers.

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