A total of 525 submissions from every school district in Riverside County poetically addressed the theme “Expressions of Change.” Visual Arts winners set for announcement next week. Dance competition submissions open through April 14.
More than 500 students from hundreds of public, private, charter, and home school locations throughout Riverside County submitted original poetry during the first week of Art Connects, the virtual student arts competition recently launched by the Riverside County Office of Education.
First place winners in the first week of competition (poetry) include:
TK – 2nd Grade Category Camryn Yazarlou 1st Grade Paloma Elementary School Temecula Valley Unified School District
3rd – 5th Grade Category Elizabeth Pudussery 4th Grade Benjamin Franklin Elementary School Riverside Unified School District
6th – 8th Grade Category Zachary Brasher 7th Grade Dr. Augustine Ramirez Intermediate School Corona-Norco Unified School District 9th – 12th Grade Category Xuan-Anh Ly Biggs 9th Grade Poly High School Riverside Unified School District
For the full list of all 32 honorees, and to view the award-winning submissions, visit the RCOE Newsroom Gallery at: https://www.rcoe.us/newsroom/gallery/2020-art-connects-poetry-winners/
“The outpouring of creative expression from Riverside County’s youngest citizens is truly representative of the power of the arts for all ages as a tool to process the complexities of the changes happening in our world—both internally and all around us,” said Louisa Higgins, Arts Administrator, at the Riverside County Office of Education. “We look forward to seeing how students bring life to the different themes over the coming weeks in the visual arts, dance, theater, media arts, and music.”
About Art Connects
In an effort to help students channel their creativity during mandatory school closures due to COVID-19, the Riverside County Office of Education launched Art Connects on March 24th as a virtual student arts competition open to all students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade in Riverside County.
“Despite the closure of schools, students in Riverside County are continuing to create, dream, and express their ideas through their own unique talents and abilities,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Judy D. White at the launch of the program. “Artistic expression is a healthy way for students to process their feelings, exercise their creative abilities, and expand their understanding of a changing world. These expressions have the power to uplift others and bring meaning to their life and the lives of others during challenging times.”
The competition is open to all students in grades TK-12 attending public, charter, private, parochial, or home school programs in Riverside County. For each of the six weeks, students can submit their contributions at www.rcoe.us/art-connects.
Winners will be announced in each grade level category approximately one week after the submission deadline for each week’s competition.
• 1st place award: $75 gift card from RCOE Foundation, plaque, and certificate of participation
• 2nd place award: $50 gift card from RCOE Foundation, and certificate of participation
• 3rd place award: $25 gift card from RCOE Foundation, and certificate of participation
• Honorable mention: Certificate of participation
“The roster of distinguished judges looking to support student artists includes Riverside County artists, poets, choreographers, actors, writers, educators, filmmakers, and musicians,” said Riverside County Arts Administrator, Louisa Higgins. “Judging criteria will include creativity/originality, connection to the weekly theme, artistic composition, and overall impression.”
Art Connects Competition and Submission Schedule
• Week One (March 25-31):
o Medium: Poetry
o Theme: Expressions of Change o List of award winners
• Week Two (April 1-7):
o Medium: Visual Arts
o Theme: Expressions of Possibility
• Week Three (April 8-14):
o Medium: Dance
o Theme: Expressions of Kindness
• Week Four (April 15-21):
o Medium: Theater
o Theme: Expressions of Persistence
• Week Five (April 22-28):
o Medium: Media Arts
o Theme: Expressions of Connections
• Week Six (April 29 – May 5):
o Medium: Music
o Theme: Expressions of Hope
Additional details on Art Connects are available at www.rcoe.us/art-connects or by contacting Louisa Higgins at lhiggins@rcoe.us.
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