By Kayla Kinsey
Staff Writer
The Manhattan Beach Neptunian Woman’s Club will announce its annual art contest winners for grades K-12 on March 27.
The winners will be announced at a tea hosted by the Neptunian Women’s Club from 1 to 3 p.m on March 27. Thirty-three students from Costa entered art into the contest. Additionally, all entries will be displayed at the Neptunian Woman’s Club Clubhouse.
“I think it’s important to showcase art because I think art is something people do not only for themselves, but also for other people to enjoy and appreciate,” said participant and sophomore Ella Welch.
The guidelines for the art contest require a submission of two original pieces. Any form of art can be submitted, but focus is placed on photographs, abstract art and paintings. Submissions are open to students of all ages and at all levels of artistic ability.
“[Art] is an important outlet for expressing thoughts and feelings which are difficult to express in written or spoken form,” said art contest chair Heather de Roos. “The contest also gives a chance for young artists to feel the satisfaction of being recognized. That satisfaction helps to build artistic confidence, which will lead these young artists to pursue a future in the arts. I can’t wait to see what they come up with this year.”
According to de Roos, these events are important for the Manhattan Beach community because they foster a sense of community and allow students to showcase their work outside of a school environment.
“My favorite part was making the art because there weren’t any restrictions, and I could choose whatever I wanted to do creatively,” said Welch.
The Neptunian Woman’s Club Art Contest & Show dates back to 1978 when Elizabeth Dorsey organized the organization’s first “art tea.” Dorsey’s vision was to inspire and recognize student artists in Manhattan Beach schools from grades K-12. This year marks the 42nd annual contest and show.
“Art is an amazing form of expressionism that can evoke many emotions in other people,” said participant and sophomore Ella Luthro. “It is a way to speak without saying words, and this is why I enjoy displaying my art in the contest because other people may reveal different emotions.”
While all types and forms of art are accepted in the contest, many students submit new works created specifically for the event, according to Luthro.
“I worked on my project for four days and two hours each day,” said Luthro. “I really enjoy making art, and I don’t mind spending a lot of time on something that I truly love to do. I find it very calming and when I’m making art, it allows me to not think about anything else and simply focus on my work.”
According to neptunians.org, the Neptunian Woman’s Club was founded in 1909 and is the oldest civic organization in the South Bay. The club is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to giving back to the community through fundraisers and philanthropic opportunities to support students in expressing themselves creatively.
“The art show and contest is one of the many ways our members are proud to give back to the South Bay community,” said de Roos.
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