Fifth grade student Shann Joshi created the winning bookmark for this year’s “Talking to the Artist” children’s art competition.
According to a release, more than 500 children submitted artwork for the Prince William County Public Library System’s contest.
“The themed contest, which Chinn Park Regional Library has hosted every year since it opened 25 years ago, culminates with children meeting authors who wrote the books inspiring the bookmarks,” stated a release.
The competition’s theme this year was based off of “Finding Wild” by Megan Wagner Lloyd – a book that includes forests, mountains, lakes, birds, flowers, and woodland creatures.
More on Joshi and the contest, from a release:
Fifth-grader, Shann Joshi, the contest grand-prize winner, said drawing is his “favorite thing to do.” He said he likes drawing nature scenes and people, which fit in with the theme of the book. He said he took his time on the project. “I just did a little bit – this day and that day – but I could have done it in a day if I tried harder.”
Shann’s mother, Shova Joshi, said that she might have been even more excited about the win than Shann, and she had a feeling her son would be recognized. “He likes drawing – morning to night.”
Shakti Joshi, Shann’s father, shared his wife’s feelings. “I’m so excited… He’s always, always, always drawing, painting.”
The library sends out bookmark entries to public, private and home schools to get as many entries as possible. “We have people from all over the county that participate. It gives the whole community the chance to really celebrate the library and celebrate the written word and picture books for children,” said Drabkin.
Sarah Coon said her daughter Emerson’s participation in the contest helped boost Emerson’s self-esteem and confidence. Brian Coon, Emerson’s father, said the contest and the participation certificate would encourage her to “keep on with her art work.”
Other winners include Hannah Greeley, kindergarten; Kandis Thorpe, first grade; Devin Wanchoo, second grade; Briana Heath, third grade; Caroline Eighmey, fourth grade; and Ryen Boyd, fifth grade.
