Essay & Art Contest

10/15/2021 at 12:00:00
Virtual

Art and Essay Contest Winners Announced

The winners of the Tysons Interfaith Art and Essay Contest have been announced, and are listed below.

Tysons Interfaith (a group of 19 different churches that promote learning, serving and connecting) believed this contest would spread their optimistic world view that comes from faith. Those values were exhibited in the works submitted in this contest. Writers and artists expressed how they strengthened relationships with family and friends, took up new hobbies and learned new things, and found joy in the everyday blessings of life that they might have overlooked before the pandemic.

We want to thank our judges, who took the time to review all the works and evaluate their technical merit and creativity and originality. The judges commented on how difficult their decisions were with so many deserving entries. Our art judges were Linda Meer, Melanie Kehoss, and Sally Evans. Our essay judges were Cynthia Clark, Paula McGinnis, and Bob Licitra. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And most of all, thanks to the many people, especially all the young people, who took the time to contemplate their pandemic experiences and express those experiences so beautifully in art and in word. Congratulations to the following winners of this year’s contest!!

ART 12 and Under:

1^st Prize: Raymond Christiansen, Alexandria

2d Prize: Mina Liu, McLean

3d Prize: Annelise Shannon, Arlington

Honorable Mention:

Goldie Christiansen, Alexandria

Leah Daniel, McLean

Olivia Goutay, McLean

Kate Higbee, McLean

Cristian Nied, McLean

Honorable Mention:

Isha Chakala, Falls Church

Callie Moriarty, Falls Church

Maddie Thoma, Vienna

ESSAY 13-18:

1^st Prize: Mary Johnson, Falls Church

2d Prize: Mikaela Nowinski, McLean

3d Prize: Liyah Cha, McLean

Honorable Mention:

Michelle Liu, McLean

Moe Ma Kha Tun, McLean

ESSAY 19 and Over:

1^st Prize: Jeff Yeates, Arlington

2d Prize: Vinette Bowman, Arlington

3d Prize: Robyn Reynolds, McLean

_________________________________________________________

A total of 28 prizes and honorable mentions in three age groups were awarded in a ceremony held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in McLean on Sunday, November 7.

“As different faith groups, one thing we all share is optimism and hope for the future, even in difficult circumstances,” said Steve Wickman, President of Tysons Interfaith. “We were gratified to see essays and art works that portrayed constructive activities like baking, sewing, and pets, and most importantly increased family time and helping others. We were particularly pleased to see so many young children and teens participate. Tysons Interfaith appreciates all those who participated, and the efforts of its talented judges in making very difficult decisions on prize awards. We look forward to doing this again next year.”