Nearly 500 More Entries Submitted

Pencil sketches, colorful drawings, 3D collages, paintings, and photographs representing “Expressions of Possibility” were submitted by students from public, private, charter, and home school locations throughout Riverside County as part of week two of Art Connects, the virtual student arts competition recently launched by the Riverside County Office of Education. A total of 33 winners were named in four age categories. First place winners in the second week of competition (visual arts) include: TK – 2nd Grade Category Levi Lang-Browne Kindergarten Harvest Hill STEAM Academy Menifee Union School District 3rd – 5th Grade Category Juan Jose Garcia 3rd Grade Agua Caliente Elementary School Palm Springs Unified School District 6th – 8th Grade Category Dylan Smith 8th Grade Jurupa Middle School Jurupa Unified School District 9th – 12th Grade Category Achaia Penn 12th Grade Murrieta Valley High School Murrieta Valley Unified School District “My drawing represents possibilities of what the world could become in the future,” said Dylan Smith, an 8th grade student from Jurupa Middle School in the Jurupa Unified School District, who was named the first place winner in the 6th–8th grade category. “The left side is bad things happening in the world. The right side is good things happening in the world. I had fun drawing this and I am happy to be participating.”   For the full list of honorees in the visual arts, and to view the award-winning submissions, visit the RCOE Newsroom Gallery at: https://www.rcoe.us/newsroom/gallery/2020-art-connects-visual-arts-winners/ Week one winners in the poetry competition are available at: https://www.rcoe.us/newsroom/gallery/2020-art-connects-poetry-winners/ 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 o List of award winners   • 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.   For more local news and information click here.