Coventry Fourth-Grader Selected as Finalist in Crayola Art Contest

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL - Coventry Elementary School fourth grader Cheyenne Griffin was recently selected as a finalist in the 2015-2016 Crayola “Creativity Connects the World” art contest.

Grifin was among 50 selected as finalists in the competition, which received 1,500 total contest entries, according to a District 47 press release. The annual art contest is sponsored by Crayola, the Foundation for Art & Preservation in Embassies and the National Art Education Association in an effort to inspire and educate the next generation of artists and to build the creative capacity of both educators and students.

Griffin submitted a picture of a birch tree, which she created with oil pastel and tempera paint. Her artwork was one of only two chosen from the state of Illinois and one of 10 nationwide in the category for second, third and fourth graders, according to the news release.

As a finalist, Griffin’s artwork will be professionally framed and displayed at the U.S. State Department in honor of F.A.P.E.’s 30th anniversary during the month of April and will then be donated to the U.S. Department of Education and displayed in a permanent collection of children’s artwork.

Coventry art teacher Linda Belloto entered Griffin’s artwork in the contest along with about 50 others from Coventry in mid-February. She learned of Griffin’s status as a finalist in March.

“When I see an opportunity to have my students’ artwork entered into a contest, my first thought is to give them a chance to be recognized," Belloto said.

This year’s contest theme of “how creativity connects the world” focused on learning about culture, perspective and places through art. Criteria for selection included connection to the theme, visual appeal, age-appropriate critical thinking, and originality.

”It’s such an honor to have my artwork selected,” Griffin said. “It’s made my mom and me so happy and proud because she knows how much I really love art.”

Besides having her artwork on permanent display in Washington, Griffin will receive a customized plaque featuring a replica of her artwork and both she and Belloto will receive complimentary Crayola products.