Visitors to the von Liebig Art Center may not know that it offers a wonderful Art Library, but venture upstairs this weekend and you’ll also discover a display of delightful and provocative art works by four young winners of K is for Kids’ “Power of Reading” art contest.
“The art library is the perfect place to exhibit the students’ art since K is for Kids mission is to enrich children’s libraries and place more books into the hands of children,” said the foundation’s executive director, Karen Clawson.
The top four finalists had the honor of having their art displayed at the von Liebig in April. All 35 finalists will have their work exhibited at the Vineyards Community Center through May.
The contest is a partnership with the Collier County Public Schools Fine Arts Department and the Naples Art Assocation at the von Liebig Art Center. “Our first contest was called the “Power of the Word” and showcased the impact that just one word can have for those who see and read it. This year, with the “Power of Reading,” we took it a step further by asking students to find words in newspapers and within the news media, to illustrate the impact to the artist themselves. We believe viewers will enjoy the thoughtfulness and creativity these students have put in to their art.”
The competition is aimed at middle school students. “Working closely with Linda Cummings [the Fine Arts Coordinator for Collier County Public Schools], we learned there is a need for middle school art students to have opportunities to hone their talents before entering high school where art competitions can be much more rigorous and competitive. We are thrilled to help stir the imagination of these ‘tweens and teens, and provide a unique chance to communicate and develop their style and personal message.”
"Think" by Ediberto, first place winner, K is for Kids' "Power of Reading" Art Contest 2012
This year’s first place finisher, Ediberto, in addition to winning the coveted blue ribbon, also took home the grand prize, compliments of the Naples Art Association: a tuition paid ArtScool class, a popular summer youth program offered at the von Liebig Art Center, valued at $125. Ediberto also won $45 in gift certificates for Barnes & Noble Booksellers donated by K is for Kids; $40 in pottery studio gift certificates donated by Earth & Fire; an art supplies pack donated by Koenig’s Art Emporium in Naples valued at $40; and a pack of multicolored Post-It notes (great for creating fun “flip books”) by Staples in north Naples.
"City" by Yasmin, second place winner, K is for Kids "Power of Reading" Art Contest 2012
The art contest’s runner-up, Yasmin, won the red ribbon and took home a free family pass to the Naples Zoo valued at $75. Yasmin also won $30 in gift certificates for Barnes & Noble Booksellers donated by K is for Kids; $30 in pottery studio gift certificates donated by Earth & Fire; an art supplies pack from Koenig’s Art Emporium in Naples donated by a patron of K is for Kids, valued at $40; and a pack of multicolored Post-It notes (great for creating fun “flip books”) by Staples in north Naples.
"Color" by Lorna, third place winner, K is for Kids "Power of Reading" Art Contest 2012
The art contest’s third place winner, Lorna, won the yellow ribbon (check out that coincidence in the art above!) and took home a dinner for two at Chili’s, donated by the restaurant, valued at $25. Lorna also won a $20 pottery studio gift certificate donated by Earth & Fire; a $15 gift certificate for Barnes & Noble Booksellers donated by K is for Kids; an art supplies pack from Koenig’s Art Emporium in Naples donated by a patron of K is for Kids, valued at $20; and a pack of multicolored Post-It notes (great for creating fun “flip books”) by Staples in north Naples.
"New York" by Wideline, fourth place winner, K is for Kids "Power of Reading" Art Contest 2012
Fourth place winner, Wideline, won the green ribbon (look at the “Jets” color above in his artwork) and took home a $20 pottery studio gift certificate donated by Earth & Fire; a $15 gift certificate for Barnes & Noble Booksellers donated by K is for Kids; an art supplies pack from Koenig’s Art Emporium in Naples donated by a patron of K is for Kids, valued at $20; and a pack of multicolored Post-It notes (great for creating fun “flip books”) by Staples in north Naples.
"Shark" by Jafet, honorable mention by K is for Kids teen artist, "Power of Reading" Art Contest 2012
An honorable mention and purple ribbon was received by Jafet this year from K is for Kids’ own Teen Advisory Team artist, Tyler Clevett, who was not able to participate in this year’s judging. (Tyler was one of four judges in last year’s contest, thanks to the event occuring on a day when school was not in session.) Jafet also took home a a $20 pottery studio gift certificate donated by Earth & Fire; a $15 gift certificate for Barnes & Noble Booksellers donated by K is for Kids; an art supplies pack from Koenig’s Art Emporium in Naples donated by a patron of K is for Kids, valued at $20; and a pack of multicolored Post-It notes (great for creating fun “flip books”) by Staples in north Naples.