We want to know! In celebration of the Scholastic Awards’ 90th anniversary year, we’re asking all of you to tell us why art and writing are important in your life. Give us your opinion here, and you could win a FREE copy of our 90th anniversary book, The Great Encouragement, which provides an in-depth look into the incredible 90-year history of the Awards and the students who have made it what it is today. You can also get a copy of The Great Encouragement by making a donation here to support the work of the Awards.
It’s hard for us to imagine a world without art and writing. They both bring out creativity like few other activities. In fact, Scholastic Awards founder Maurice R. Robinson once said that teens who produce art and writing are “acquiring something infinitely valuable – a feeling for beauty, which will color their entire lives, and the lives of those about them. There lies the great encouragement.” (Foreword to Saplings. Scholastic Publishing Company, 1928, and featured in The Great Encouragement).
We all have individual reasons for expressing ourselves creatively through art and writing, and that’s what makes each act of expression so special and unique. So tell us, why do you create or appreciate?
Enter to win a copy of The Great Encouragement now.
Marc Allante. A Portrait of Hong Kong. 125cm x 85cm. Ink on 300gsm Cold Press Paper.
Hong Kong-born artist Marc Allante has demonstrated a passion for the visual arts since he was just 2 years old! Seeing how popular his recent lion painting (pictured above) was, Allante decided to show the 25 years it took him to get to where he is now. As you look at his progression below, think about how you’ve developed as an artist over the years. We hope this inspires you to continue pursuing your craft, because who knows where you’ll be when you’re 25! Share your thoughts in our comments section below.
Age 2
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Erin Palumbo. Through the Looking Glass. Grade 10, Age 16. 2012 Silver Medal, Drawing.
Artist and three-time Gold Key winner Erin Palumbo, a rising junior at George W. Hewlett High School in Hewlett, NY, figured that if she wanted an arts-related internship this summer, she’d have to start by connecting the dots. So…Erin thought carefully about her connections: she’d earned an ASAP Award in 2010, two Gold Keys in 2011, and a Silver Medal in 2012. Why not start there?
Erin contacted the Alliance, and explained that she wanted to do an unpaid internship in an art-related field, and included the dates she would be available. She also put together a good resume and attached it to her email so we could easily send it along.
We put her in touch with Amanda Guest, an accomplished artist in her own right and Student Art Program Coordinator at ArtsConnection. Read More
Florence Ma. The Writer's Cage. Grade 12, Age 17. 2012 Gold Medal, Drawing.
What makes a great writer? Great writing evokes emotion, sparks an idea, and provides new perspective.
In Looking to Write, Writing to Look, art educators Barbara Bassett and Rebecca Mitchell of the Philadelphia Museum of Art believe that:
“Great writers are great observers. They consider the world around them, notice overlooked details, and make connections. Looking carefully at art helps us to develop these observation skills. Art encourages us to slow down, look closely, and reflect on what we see. When we accept this invitation, we are rewarded with new thoughts and perspectives. These ideas and insights provide rich material for writing.” Read More
Rachel Youn. Cockatiels on the Coast. Grade 11, Age 17. 2012 Silver Medal and ASAP Award winner, Drawing.
The ASAP (Alliance Summer Arts Program) Awards are now in full swing, and we’re delighted to report that more than 80 students will attend 38 summer art and writing intensives in 15 different states. Across the country, from Maine to the Pacific, these talented 13- to 17-year-olds will be delving into disciplines from Performance Art to Playwriting; from Darkroom Photography to Sustainable Interior Design.
“We debuted our Teen Summer Art Program this summer for talented youth just like this ASAP Award recipient,” said Riverside Art Museum Executive Director Drew Oberjuerge. “With one in six jobs in Southern California now in the creative industries, it is essential that youth receive arts education classes so that they can reach their full potential. We are excited to see what [he] accomplishes.” Read More
Jeremy Madl designs art toys that are coveted by collectors around the world. (Image courtesy of Jeremy Madl and Mad Toy Design)
Interested in a career as a toy designer? 1996 Scholastic Awards winner Jeremy Madl recently talked to Scholastic Art Magazine about his work as a toy designer and running his own company. Check out the interview below!
SCHOLASTIC ART: What is your job?
Jeremy Madl: I design collectible toys— or art toys. I have my own company, Mad Toy Design. I’m a one-stop shop from concept to delivery of the final product.
SA: How do you design a toy?
JM: First, I sketch out my idea on paper. I do all the different views—front, back, side, top, and bottom. I might make 100 sketches. Then I enter my sketches into my computer and create the control drawings to send to the manufacturer. I work with the manufacturer to get every aspect of the toy right, including the size, color, and even the cost. The process can take six months to a year and a half. Read More
