You can get a glimpse of the artistic talents of Newmarket high school students as the Newmarket Optimist Club hosts a second annual visual arts competition May 6.
The contest will feature 55 submitted pieces from local high schools, including categories of paintings, drawings, photography and alternative media. The work will be displayed and judged at the Newmarket Optimist Hall, with top pieces awarded.
Club president-elect Cindy Crone said it offers an outlet for local students to show off their art.
“We like to promote, encourage and showcase young talent in our community,” she said. “It definitely allows the youth to showcase everything that they have worked on.”
Five Newmarket high schools will participate, including Newmarket High School, Sir William Mulock Secondary School, Sacred Heart Catholic High School, Huron Heights Secondary School and Dr. J.M. Denison Secondary School.
Three hidden judges will consider the pieces during the public viewing, before deciding on the winners by the afternoon. Within each category, first, second and third-place artists will receive cash prizes.
This year has garnered significantly more interest, Crone said.
“We are very excited and very happy. We felt there was a need in the community for this type of event for our youth. And that just shows us that is actually true,” she said.
This year’s event featured some more refined criteria, Crone added, to ensure an “even playing field.”
The event is free for the public to attend at the optimist hall at 55 Forhan Ave. It will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The awards will be presented from 1 to 2 p.m.
“It’s really important to celebrate our youth. To celebrate their talents,” Crone said. “This is a way to show the kids that we really support them and their efforts and all the incredible work that they do.”
