March 11, 2009 — Nearly 400 students from across the territory expressed artistic messages against the destructive use of firearms in the second annual "Draw Against Gun Violence" poster contest, sponsored by Project Safe Neighborhoods.
"We get youth talking to youth rather than have adults preaching to them about gun violence," said Lou Lambert, founder of Drawing Against Violence. "What we see in art is more revealing from the student standpoint than what it would be if you were to try and talk to them."
All 373 entries will be on display on St. Thomas until the end of next week at the V.I. Council on the Arts, 5070 Norre Gade, across from Ft. Christian. Then all will go on display at Sunshine Mall on St. Croix.
The contest was open to all students across the territory, and the number of student entries nearly doubled from last year. There were separate categories for elementary, middle and high school students. Judging was based on originality, relevance of the image, message, artistry and overall impact. The top three entries from the St. Thomas-St. John district and top six from St. Croix earned the artists an iPod Touch. The finalists and the first 100 entrants will each receive a backpack with the Project Safe Neighborhood logo.
For more information and to view all of the finalists' artwork, visit drawagainstgunviolence.com.
St. Thomas' top three finalists:
Grades 1-5: Adrianna Bryan-Joseph, 1st grade, Joseph Sibilly Elementary School
Grades 6-8: Raeniqua Kierra Victorine, 5th grade, Calvary Christian Academy
Grades 9-12: Anthony S. Walter, 12th grade, Ivanna Eudora Kean
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