It’s time to launch the 23rd annual Chanukah Art Contest, co-hosted by The Jewish Community Center (The J), The Shul-Chabad of Leawood and The Chronicle. The winning entries will be revealed on the fifth night of Chanukah in the Dec. 26 issue of The Chronicle.
As in the past, students in grades pre-K through eight are encouraged to submit an original piece of artwork or poetry that relates to the story or celebration of Chanukah. Adding to the excitement this year is a new category, “The People’s Choice” grand prize, which will be determined by members of the Jewish community in an online vote.
Entries will be divided into three divisions: pre-K through first, second through fifth and sixth through eighth. A first prize consisting of a $50 gift card from either Amazon or Target will be awarded in each division. This year a $100 gift card will be awarded to a grand prize winner selected by the judges as well as the “People’s Choice” grand prize winner.
Contest rules
Projects must be original and relate to the story or celebration of Chanukah and can be submitted in any of the categories below:
1. Art: May be either two- or three-dimensional (for example paint, drawing, craft or sculpture). Entries created from kits will be disqualified.
2. Writing: Poem on the meaning of Chanukah.
Menorahs must be kosher, showing eight aligned candles of equal height. A student is not eligible to win the grand prize two consecutive years.
Since its inception, the contest has attracted children from all corners of the Jewish community. Students must live in the Greater Kansas City or surrounding areas (Lawrence, Topeka and St. Joseph) to be eligible.
Each entry must be submitted with the following information, placed either on the bottom or back of the artwork or poem: student’s name, grade, religious school (if applicable), parent’s daytime and evening phone numbers and email address. Names SHOULD NOT be written where they can be seen by the judges, as judges are not allowed to know the identities of the artists or writers.
Entries may be dropped off at The J reception desk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 9 and Dec. 10.
Celebrate victory At Chanukah on Ice party
Judging by the public will begin Dec. 8 on The J’s website, TheJKC.org/ArtContest. More details on public judging will be available soon. The winners will be featured in The Chronicle on Dec. 26. All artwork will also be displayed at The J from Dec. 26 through Jan. 3.
Every entrant will receive a ticket to the annual Chanukah on Ice party. The time and date will be announced soon.
Entries will be available for pickup after Chanukah.
The decision of the judges (staff members of The Chronicle, The J and The Shul-Chabad of Leawood) shall be final.
For questions or more information, visit www.ChabadKC.org or contact the Chabad House at 913-205-9524 or .