Ready…Set…Draw!
Students in the Diocese of Brooklyn can prepare to release their inner Michelangelo, da Vinci, Dali and Cezanne.
The Tablet is proud to announce the kickoff of this year’s Easter art contest, in which students in the diocese can show off their talents by creating artwork that revolves around the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. It’s a joyful way for students to celebrate the blessed event by creating images that reflect the true meaning of Easter.
For nearly 20 years, The Tablet has partnered with the Archbishop John Hughes Knights of Columbus Council No. 481 in what has become a diocesan tradition in which hundreds of students across Brooklyn and Queens compete in the annual art contest. Their handmade works are digitally submitted to The Tablet, where the staff judges their faith-based creations.
Archbishop John Hughes Council Grand Knight Vincent DiBenedetto believes that the art contest is a powerful way to reinforce the faith. “Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” said DiBenedetto. “The belief that Christ has risen is central to our faith and celebrated with joy and reverence. Our Catholic school students help to remind us of the significance of Easter and that Christ has risen.”
The art contest started when The Tablet’s Editor Emeritus Ed Wilkinson formed a camaraderie with then-Grand Marshal of the Knights Camillo Casano, wherein the Knights would generously donate awards and cash prizes to students who created faith-based artwork inspired by Scriptures.
Twice a year, young student artists at Catholic academies, parishes, and high schools are invited to create their own interpretations of the themes “Keep Christ in Christmas” and “Christ is Risen” that focus on the spirits of those seasons.
“The Tablet’s Easter art contest is a great opportunity to evangelize,” explained Wilkinson. “It reinforces the message the students learn in school — that Jesus is truly risen. It also encourages them to hone their artistic skills and talents. It’s a great opportunity for The Tablet to work hand-in-hand with our schools to teach the meaning of Catholicism.”
Students attending Catholic school in grades one to 12 are eligible as the contest kicks off on Monday, Feb. 26 and runs through Easter week before wrapping up on Weds., April 3. All entries will be judged based on adherence to the theme Christ is Risen; originality of the works, and demonstration of artistic ability.
All entries must be submitted online and uploaded to The Tablet’s website with all the required information. Winners will receive certificates, along with cash prizes, and have their work published in The Tablet.
Wilkinson expressed his gratitude to the Knights for continuing the tradition for more than two decades and to Father Guy Sbordone, Chaplain of the Archbishop John Hughes Council of the Knights of Columbus and pastor at Our Lady of Grace parish in Gravesend.
“We’re always fortunate to have Father Guy attend our awards ceremony and to talk to the children about the Easter message. And we’re grateful to the Knights for co-sponsoring the contest. Year after year, we’re amazed to see the creativity of our students and we’re all excited about judging another award-winning group of entries,” Wilkinson added.