Montessori Academy Student, Ryan Branco, Wins in Art Competition
June 10, 1999 — This year's Hurricane Art Contest drew 361 student drawings from talented children ages five to ten. There were 129 more drawings than last year's competition.
The Royal Gazette's Hurricane Supplement sponsored the competition which was judged by Marlee Robinson, Curator of the National Gallery of Art and Peggy Kett, her assistant.
"The five year olds showed lots of imagination and was the best category as a whole. They are free and trust themselves,'' said Ms. Robinson.
The judges enjoyed the vibrant colours and various mediums used by the children. They liked the fact that many children drew upon local themes and what is on the Island.
The theme was "Hurricanes and the Sea'' and when it was initially advertised in the paper, May 7, we asked children various questions.
If they wondered what happened to our sea creatures, beaches and boats during a hurricane? What if you were a mama dolphin about to have a baby dolphin? What if you were a brain coral attached to a reef? Mrs. Kett said: "The winners and honourable mentions impressed me with their originality and impressive colourings. Some injected a bit of humour. They understood the theme and reflected their feelings.'' Age five had 37 entries and the winner was Luke Lindo of St. George's Prep.
Age five honourable mentions were: Brian Mota, Sara Doucette, Thomas Mahoney, Rhea Gibbons, Stevona Daniels, Stephanie DaSilva, Dacotah Baksh and Ryan Roberts.
Age six had 87 entries and the winner was Stevie Chiles of St. George's Prep.
Age six honourables were: Travis DeSousza, Tristan Smith, Jayde Curtis, Kenneth Gardner, Thomas Lapre, Dominque Smith, Barak Bremar, Anthony Fernandes, Damian Palanyandi, and Claire Hirschberg.
Age seven had 60 entries and the winner was Rahim Dill of West End Primary.
Age seven honourables were: Jonathan Barker, Michael Hudson, Emily Siggins, Olivia French, Anna Nelson, Jonathan Hopwood and Ceola Wade.
Age eight had 50 entries and the winner was Ryan Branco of Montessori Academy.
Age eight honourables were: Ian McBeath, Sarah Perry, Alex Easton, Hunter Bonnett, Shoel Prevendido, Anna Franklin and Courtney Dayre Smith.
Age nine had 65 entries and the winner was Steven Almeida of Gilbert Institute.
Age nine honourables were: Luisa Olander, Kendra Faries, Matthew Madeiros and Leah Bramlett.
Age ten had 62 entries and the winner was Thomas LaLone of Gilbert Institute.
Age ten honourables were: Shaydrina Hassell, Ashayo Clemons, Katie Davidge, Gemma Shane and Victoria Borges.
Some schools showed a particular interest in the art contest and encouraged significate student participation such as St. George's Prep, Gilbert Institute, Port Royal, Somerset, West End Primary, Mt. St. Agnes, Montessori, and Saltus Primary.
The Royal Gazette held a very successful reception on June 3 honouring these students. Editor, William J.S. Zuill presented certificates to the winners and honourable mentions. Additionally, the winners received gift certificates in the sum of 25 dollars to be spent at Artcetera.
The drawings will remain on display in the Royal Gazette Lobby until June 14 at which time they may be collected at the front desk.
We thank everyone who participated and hope you will do so again next June.
Honourable Mention: Gemma Shane, age 10, attends Bermuda High School. She used colours of gray, blues, yellow, and white.
Winners: Art Judges, Peggy Kett and Marlee Robinson, with the young art winners. Left to right: Rahim Dill, Steven Almeida, Ryan Branco, Luke Lindo and Thomas LaLone. Missing is Stevie Chiles. Children ages 5-10 competed and entered 361 drawings.