Local kids prove age doesn't limit creativity

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist.” After seeing the artwork created by fourth-graders at the Cornwell Avenue and George Washington elementary schools in West Hempstead, it’s hard not to agree with the late cubist.

Fifteen pieces of artwork created by the students are now on display at the Peoples United Bank, located at 410 Hempstead Turnpike. They’ve been there for any and all to check out since May 18. Bank Vice President Richard T. Ritchie is urging local residents to come by and vote for their favorite pieces.

“Awards will be given for first, second and third place in the form of U.S. Savings Bonds,” he said. “Any local residents should come in and vote. You’ll see a lot of friendly faces and can enjoy a free cup of coffee.”

As expected, the youths were excited about participating in the contest. “The children are always enthusiastic about art,” said Kathleen Courtney, the art teacher at George Washington and West Hempstead High School. “This contest allowed the students to address their creative side, which is so important for children to do.”

Courtney, along with Cornwell art director Christina Imhof, introduced the contest to the students several months ago. “I showed them examples of famous artists who drew spring-themed pieces, like Monet,” Courtney said. “They really had a lot of fun creating their pieces. Many students liked what they made so much they didn’t even want to let the pictures go to the contest, and brought them home instead.”

What’s particularly interesting about the contest is that it carries with it anonymity as to whose piece someone is voting for. The artists’ names are on the back of the picture, and even the bank doesn’t know what picture belongs to which student until every vote is counted.

“We give each artwork a number. People choose the pictures they like the best, ranging from first to third, and write the artwork’s corresponding number on the ballot,” Ritchie said. “The winner is chosen, and then we look at the back of the work to see who created it.”

The contest not only awards the fourth-graders for their artistic abilities, but also teaches them practical lessons. “We like to get the students involved,” Ritchie said. “We teach them important things, like the ethics and significance in saving money.”

After the top three winners are chosen, their art will be displayed for several weeks at the bank. Along with the monetary prizes, the bank gives the winners a ribbon to attach to their work.

Given the lessons learned on saving and the opportunities given through art, it’s clear everyone in the contest goes home a winner. “When it’s all said and done, everyone’s happy,” Ritchie said.