Art will be featured on cards for sale
By: Emily Holody
The results are in for this year’s Social Services Art Contest, and the winners are thrilled that their artwork has been recognized.
The winning artwork will be professionally photographed and printed on cards, said Director of Social Services, Lou Anne Wolf. The cards will go on sale at Community Unity Day in early September, with proceeds going to the Human Intervention Trust Fund.
Money from the fund is used to help individuals or families with assistance in rent, utility bills, unexpected medical expenses, food, and/or other emergency needs.
The contest was open to all school-age students of South Brunswick Schools. There were 32 submissions for the contest and the winners were an elementary student and a middle/high school student. Jacob Mitchell, 6, a Brunswick Acres student, won in the elementary school category. Daniel Shapiro, 14, who will be attending South Brunswick High School in the fall, won in the middle/high school category.
Jacob entered a watercolor re-creation painting of Monet’s painting, "Water Lilies." He will be attending second grade in the fall, and is already taking private art classes on Saturday mornings with Jerilyn Marrero in North Brunswick.
"He just loves art and drawing. It’s his favorite class," said Jacob’s mother, Robin Mitchell.
The painting Jacob entered was his favorite.
"Very few people have something that they love to do that they’re good at," said Ms. Mitchell. "He seems to have an affinity for it."
Jacob said his favorite artists are Monet and Van Gogh. While studying Van Gogh in art class, "we didn’t use paint, we just used pastel and paper," said Jacob. "I liked it, but it was much easier (than Monet). I like a challenge."
Daniel took his winning photograph during a trip to Washington, D.C., during the city’s Cherry Blossom Festival in April. His mother heard about the contest and gave him the idea to enter the photograph.
Daniel started photography last year and said he took most of his photographs while in the eighth grade.
"My favorite thing is capturing a moment," said Daniel. "I like photographing things that I just take out of society."
Both Jacob and Daniel are excited to have won the contest and look forward to seeing their art on cards.
"The last contest I won at school was a writing contest I won in third grade," said Daniel with a laugh.
Ms. Mitchell said Jacob was so excited about winning that he told everyone he met during a recent vacation. He also told everyone in baseball camp.
The director of Social Services feels the same way.
"We’re excited about this year’s (cards)," said Ms. Wolf. "Our whole goal is we sell as many cards as possible, and 100 percent of the proceeds go to social services."
Ms. Wolf said resident Art Rodel volunteered to print the cards last year and has volunteered this year as well.
The cards will go on sale for $5 each or 5 for $20 at Community Unity Day on Saturday, September 8.

