Creative Arts Contest Highlights Local Young Talent

People waiting to hear the results of the annual Creative Arts Showcase recently filled the community room at Chinn Park Library where art by middle and high school students was on display showcasing the talent of some of the county’s young artists.

The arts contest, sponsored by the Friends of Chinn Park Regional Library, drew 102 entries. “There was quite a variety of pieces,” said Chinn Park Library Youth Services Librarian John Diaz. “In writing, there were the categories of poetry and short stories. In the visual arts, there were drawings, digital art, photography, sculpture, paintings, jewelry and mixed media — just a little bit of everything.”

Madeline K. earned one of the $15 gift cards for “Why Now?” her winning charcoal drawing. “I entered the contest to show my work to the community. With college applications coming up, it’s a good thing to make my art known,” said the 17-year-old who attends Colgan High School. “I wasn’t sure how many people were going to enter the contest, so it was kind of a shot in the dark, but I was pretty confident of my work. I know that some people from my school, who are good artists, entered. Either way, I would have been proud of whoever won, but I’m still glad that I won.”

“I like to see all the artwork, too,” said Madeline’s mother, Jessica.

Xavier K. C., a 12-year-old Woodbridge Middle School student, took home a gift card for his winning short story “The Bored Squirrel” and chose to come to the awards ceremony over other planned activities. “I’m very excited,” said his father, Carl. “He had a soccer game but wanted to come to this instead. He wrote a short story and felt pretty good about it. I think he’s more into writing than playing soccer.”

Diaz said that the staff at Chinn Park Library look forward to the annual contest. “It’s fun for us. We enjoy seeing the creativity of the students. The parents especially like it. They like that their children are artistic. It gives them a chance to get involved in something and to come out and see what’s on display.”

The young artists also appreciate the chance to show their art to the public. “They thank us for the opportunity to have their art displayed. They were excited about it. We always get a good turnout,” Diaz said.

The entries were judged by Chinn Park Library staff on creativity, originality, technique, presentation and emotional impact. See photos of the winning entries on Prince William Public Libraries’ Facebook, facebook.com/princewilliampubliclibraries.