Monfedo: Worcester Historical Museum’s Valentine Contest is Huge Success
Sunday, February 19, 2017
John Monfredo, GoLocalWorcester MINDSETTER™
The Worcester Historical Museum’s 39th annual Valentine Contest hosted by William Wallace, Executive Director of the Museum, took place just recently in between the many snow storms in our area. Mr. Wallace, who could be a talk show host, was outstanding as he mixed wit and charm into his presentation to the delight of the winning Valentine contestants, parents and educators.
The contest was open to all Worcester Schools (public and private) in grades 3 to 6 and there were close to 600 entries submitted. Mr. Wallace thanked the many partners within the community that supported the contest such as the Worcester Public Library for their workshops and Worcester: the City that Reads for he mentioned that in the Contemporary category of the contest many of the children used a book or a story theme to create their valentine.
Before the presentation of the awards the audience was given a lesson about Worcester’s unique role in the history of valentine making. Slides were shown of old time valentines and Mr. Wallace spoke about the work of Worcester’s Esther Howland, an American printer and artist, who made and sold Valentines in the United States. However, as Mr. Wallace stated, it was actually the work of and perseverance of George C. Whitney that would bring about Worcester’s prominence in the being the city of Valentine makers.
The awards were presented by category … each winner was given a trophy presented by Maryann Farnswoth a former art teacher in the Worcester Public Schools and a member of the Museums Board of Trustees, a certificate from Mayor Petty’s office given out by me. I also gave each champion a book for winning the contest and to remind them that February is “Love a Book Month.”
The first category was HISTORIC… a design in the style of valentines made in Worcester between the 1840’s to 1942… Grade three winner was Emiy Gabrielle Yoshida Araujo from McGrath Elementary School … Fourth Grade winner was Kaylee Corrado from Lincoln Street School… Fifth Grade winner was Cindy Xhija from Chandler Magnet Elementary... Sixth Grade winner was Isabella Lussier from Lake View School. Some of the comments made by the judges on the historic winners were … We loved the statement “Owl always love you” message and the historic 22 cent stamp… This historic inside is represented through lace, pop ups and pull ups and the trademark “If it was Hallmark, it wouldn’t look as good” …We love this valentine mobile from its historic lace-hand cut by the creator to the contemporary sparkle that leads to the two folded 3D hearts reminding us that love is always in motion…
The next category was CONTEMPORARY … an original valentine using designs and non-perishable materials of the maker’s choice… Grade Three winner was Hennys De La Cruz from Chandler Elementary School … Fourth Grade winner was Isaac Silva from McGrath Elementary School … Fifth Grade winner was Nadia Frempong from Lake View… Sixth Grade winner was Natalie Windward from Belmont Community School… Some of the comments from the judges in this category … The neatly colored lace and the bright lights make this valentine shine… this artist incorporates excellent balance and color… the valentine is modern but reflects a historic valentine’s card and it is thoughtful throughout… this valentine seems three-dimensional and the artist successfully incorporated many senses - touch, feel and look.
The next category was VERSE… an original verse by today’s valentine maker… Grade three winner was Hope Loizeaux from Worcester Arts Magnet… Grade Four was Jarielis Reyes from Columbus Park …Grade Five was Alex Cabrera from Goddard School … Grade Six was Adalise Rivera from Columbus Park … Some of the comments from the judges in this category … this valentine is the perfect invitation to READ… this verse is most original and comes from the heart …this valentine represents all categories and Worcester traditions – lace and cupids… “like the sun and the moon this valentine verse would certainly make the recipient SHINE.
The next category was MASTERS… these are students in grades 4-6 who have won in previous years and must enter the Master’s Competition. The winners were Riley Driscoll and Mathew Molle from Worcester Arts Magnet School, grade five and Carlitos Molina and Lauren Popinchalk from Worcester Arts Magnet , grade six. Judges comments were … who better than Dumbledore, Hogwart’s master magician, to illustrate the “Magic of Love? … The use of many different types of lace and flowers, along with bows and pearls is very effective… “If you give a mouse a cookie” book says it all – love is never ending… This verse is very original and it came from the heart.
HONORABLE MENTION in the Historic category went to Noelle Pepin, a Home School student and the Contemporary category went to Annabelle Corrao from Worcester Arts Magnet School… judges stated that the valentine was creative… the viewer is drawn into this work of art…
The work of these outstanding students will be on display at the Worcester Historic Museum until the end of the month. Please take the time to visit and while you are there take the time to visit other areas of the museum for the Worcester History Museum is one of the many jewels found in Worcester.
