The annual Southwest Art’s 2012 Artistic Excellence Competition deadline is 15 July. You can enter online and there will be 13 winning artists. The entry fee is $25. All work must be original.
For more information please visit the Artists Network.

Have you ever entered any contests? Any tips for artists that are new?
Thanks for the information.
If artists are looking for more opportunities, the California Arts Council has many contests, mostly in-state, but also globally. Check it out.
http://www.cac.ca.gov/artistcall/
Thank you for the information. I will create a post regarding this.
Alie