Card design sends Olive Branch to seasonal recipients
By: Megan Harris
Issue date: 12/3/08 Section: News
Nia James wasn't interested in the same old Santa theme. Her originality paid off.
The sixth-grade Campus School student claimed first prize in the 7th Annual University of Memphis Holiday Card Contest. Her unique design featured a tiger's outstretched arm clutching a dove, both surrounded by a rainbow of colors. The drawing will become the face for The U of M's holiday greeting card issued to students and schools around the world.
James said she chose the dove design because she wanted to stay away from the usual Christmas themes other kids were using.
"My teacher said there were a lot of really good drawings," James said. "I knew I wanted to do good and make something pretty that wouldn't look like anyone else's."
Clutching a framed copy of his daughter's winning entry, Richard James said he was very proud of Nia and the work she put into the project.
"She's such a good girl, but then it's been a positive year for her too," he said, noting her accomplishments with The U of M swimmer's team.
James said the drawing was done over recess and took less time than usual. Mary Larrick, the school's art specialist, laughed at this, explaining the four-step process each child had to complete along the way.
Larrick said she enjoyed being involved with every step of the more than 350 student entries. Three one-hour art classes were devoted to the project, with every step supervised by Larrick.
"We always have so much fun judging the pictures," she said after the assembly. "To me, all the children's art work is just so wonderful. If it weren't for my judges I'd never be able to choose."
Larrick wouldn't reveal the names of her secret panel, but said they all had "loads of fun coming over to argue about them."
"That's why we end up with such a large tie," the teacher said.
The 24 winners were chosen from among the first through sixth grade contenders, and University President Shirley Raines was there to personally congratulate each honorable mention.
"I'm so proud of all our kids," Raines said. "And maybe it's just me, but I think they get better and better every year."
U of M art students once competed in the card contest for a $500 prize. But when Raines took over as University president in 2001, the former elementary education specialist opened the program to youngsters at Campus School.
"Whether you're an artist, musician or a learner, have a special subject you love more than any other," Raines said to the students, encouraging them to begin considering college plans early. "You see parents, recruiting starts very early."
The sixth-grade Campus School student claimed first prize in the 7th Annual University of Memphis Holiday Card Contest. Her unique design featured a tiger's outstretched arm clutching a dove, both surrounded by a rainbow of colors. The drawing will become the face for The U of M's holiday greeting card issued to students and schools around the world.
James said she chose the dove design because she wanted to stay away from the usual Christmas themes other kids were using.
"My teacher said there were a lot of really good drawings," James said. "I knew I wanted to do good and make something pretty that wouldn't look like anyone else's."
Clutching a framed copy of his daughter's winning entry, Richard James said he was very proud of Nia and the work she put into the project.
"She's such a good girl, but then it's been a positive year for her too," he said, noting her accomplishments with The U of M swimmer's team.
James said the drawing was done over recess and took less time than usual. Mary Larrick, the school's art specialist, laughed at this, explaining the four-step process each child had to complete along the way.
Larrick said she enjoyed being involved with every step of the more than 350 student entries. Three one-hour art classes were devoted to the project, with every step supervised by Larrick.
"We always have so much fun judging the pictures," she said after the assembly. "To me, all the children's art work is just so wonderful. If it weren't for my judges I'd never be able to choose."
Larrick wouldn't reveal the names of her secret panel, but said they all had "loads of fun coming over to argue about them."
"That's why we end up with such a large tie," the teacher said.
The 24 winners were chosen from among the first through sixth grade contenders, and University President Shirley Raines was there to personally congratulate each honorable mention.
"I'm so proud of all our kids," Raines said. "And maybe it's just me, but I think they get better and better every year."
U of M art students once competed in the card contest for a $500 prize. But when Raines took over as University president in 2001, the former elementary education specialist opened the program to youngsters at Campus School.
"Whether you're an artist, musician or a learner, have a special subject you love more than any other," Raines said to the students, encouraging them to begin considering college plans early. "You see parents, recruiting starts very early."