Winners announced for first annual ArtsCape junior poster contest

ArtScape's first annual ArtsCape junior poster contest showcased local young talent at the Southeast Missouri Arts Council ArtsCape event held at Capaha Park.

Nearly 100 drawings and paintings based on the theme, "Fun in the Park," were received. They were displayed at a grove of cypress trees where original creations depicted sports, fishing, dog walking and other activities children enjoy at the park.

Delilah Tayloe, director of the arts council, said, "I was keenly thrilled by the pieces brought in -- each being so different from the next. These kids were really fired up."

The idea of holding a junior poster contest was the brainchild of Lori Ann Kinder, vice chairwoman on the board of directors.

"We are always interested in encouraging young artists. It's a good way to involve families in a public venue to showcase these kids." Tayloe said.

The arts council made an effort this year to contact 18 area schools in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City including private, public and parochial schools.

"We felt it was important for kids to have feedback so we included responses to encourage young artists to continue their work. We try to encourage artists to learn more about art, create it and earn a living at it," Tayloe said.

The People's Choice winner, Megan Brock, a ninth-grader at Central High School, won honors with a sunburst design.

Seven-year-old A.J. Branson created her piece working under adult supervision with a candle to melt 300 crayons.

She got the idea from her father who had done it as a child. The technique of melting colored wax to creat artwork is known as encaustic.

Caleb Oswald, an 8-year-old student at North Elementary School, received second place with his crayon drawing.

Ethan Laster of Orchard Elementary received third place for a jazzy drawing of Tunes at Twilight.

Prizes included ArtsCape souvenirs and restaurant gift certificates.