Thompson Sixth Grader Wins Newport's Holiday Card Contest

Thompson Middle School Sixth Grader Jack Boyle’s whimsical and surreal artistic rendition of Touro Park as a winter wonderland has been selected by the city to be this year’s official Newport Christmas card.

Boyle is the winner of the seventh annual Newport Holiday Card Contest, which drew 40 submissions this year. The card will be sent to more than 350 city employees and others, said Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano.

Boyle was presented a framed copy of his card and five blank cards for his personal use to honor his accomplishment.

It’s easy to see why Boyle’s work won out. Touro Park and Newport Tower are depicted with a Van Gogh-esque windswept wobbliness. A snowman wears a purple hat and a golden necklace next to a Newport 375 sign, both illuminated by an ethereal glow. It’s quaint, the city landmarks and anniversary references and smart and it shows not just a great example of Christmas card art -- but a budding artist.

The holiday card contest began in 2008 by the city’s HR department. Working with Alan Bernstein, supervisor of the arts at the Newport School Department, along with Thompson Middle School Art Teacher Nicole Icart, they began what has become a growing tradition. Submissions have been increasing year after year “and the contest has become an enduring and delightful tradition of the City-by-the-Sea,” a city release stated.

“All students who submitted designs are to be congratulated for the remarkable work they did.”

The winning card will be on display throughout December in Newport City Hall on Broadway.

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