Thank you to all the artists and writers who participated! It was so so challenging for our judges to choose just 3 category winners, but we appreciated every entry. With submissions from 12 countries and a wide range of ages, including contestants as young as 8, the openness and vulnerability fo our entrants was a touching gift worthy of sharing with others who may be struggling with mental health. With this in mind, stay tuned for our publication of many of this contest’s submissions!
Thank you so much to our selfles team of volunteer judges:
Pete Arebalo (@goldlotus1, @themuseny): Pete Mc2 is poet hailing out of Long island, NY who’s work explores finding ground in vulnerability amongst extraordinary absurdity. He’s best known as the current torch bearer of the Muse, Long island’s hotspot for poets, creatives and weirdos. His new book the edge of an observable universe is currently yellowing on a curb somewhere.
Rosa Todaro (@rtods): Rosa Todaro is a writer living on Long Island. Her poetry explores the natural world, inner landscapes, and mental health. Her work has appeared in Mad Swirl, Open Minds Quarterly, The Suffolk County Poetry Review, and Long Island Quarterly. She has been performing at local open mics since 2017. Rosa also works as a librarian, and received her MLIS from Simmons College.
Nicky Girgenti (@gremmings): Artist/illustrator, educator.
Allyson Uttendorfer: Allyson Uttendorfer is an artist and art educator currently working at Half Hollow Hills High School East. She received her BFA and BA in Fine Art and Art History from Stony Brook University and continued on to receive duel Masters Degrees in Art Education and Instructional Technology from Adelphi University and LIU Post. Uttendorfer supports the community through her role on the Babylon Village Arts Council Board as Vice President and her involvement in the Girl Scouts and PTA Reflections Program. Uttendorfer worked at the Heckscher Museum of Art for five years serving as the Director of Education. She remains on the Museum’s Education Committee and is an educational consultant and program partner. Uttendorfer was awarded an ASSET teacher of distinction award and the HHH PTSA’s Outstanding Achievement in Advocacy Award for her work helping others. She has exhibited her photographs at the Conklin House, Babylon Public Library, Webster Bank and other local exhibitions. Uttendorfer also does freelance graphic design and photography.
Lodestar Children’s Services is excited to announce our upcoming Art & Poetry Contest, inviting individuals of all ages to express their thoughts and emotions through creative mediums. With the theme centered around mental health, this contest aims to raise awareness and promote positive dialogue surrounding this important issue.
Participants are encouraged to explore their innermost thoughts and feelings related to mental health and translate them into art or poetry. Whether it’s through vibrant paintings, intricate sketches, heartfelt poems, or evocative prose, each submission has the power to spark conversation and inspire change.
In today’s world, mental health is more crucial than ever, yet it remains a topic often shrouded in stigma and silence. Through initiatives like this contest, Lodestar Children’s Services seeks to break down barriers and foster a greater understanding and acceptance of mental health issues.
The submission guidelines are simple and straightforward. Entries should be suitable for all ages and avoid any unnecessary vulgarity. Poems should be kept within 50 lines or 500 words, allowing participants to convey their message concisely and effectively.
Prizes await the top entries, with the winning piece earning a coveted spot on the cover of our upcoming book. Along with this honor, the winner will receive a $200 gift card and a special feature at an upcoming live event. Runners-up will also be recognized with prominent features in the book, along with generous gift card prizes.
All submissions will be carefully considered for publication in our book, which will serve as a testament to the collective creativity and resilience of our community. Selected works will also be showcased on our website and social media platforms, amplifying their reach and impact.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it’s essential to prioritize mental well-being and provide a platform for self-expression and healing. Lodestar Children’s Services invites you to join us in this meaningful endeavor, using your creativity to shine a light on mental health awareness.
To submit your entry or learn more about the contest, please contact Noelle, our Development Coordinator, at NArebalo@lodestarcs.org. Thank you for your participation and support in promoting mental health awareness in our community.
Let your creativity be a beacon for change, and together, let’s make a difference.