The North Suburban YMCA opened its first Juried Junior High Art Show with a reception and awards ceremony on November 4. Young artists and their families gathered to tour the exhibition, which will remain on display on the main level of the Y until Thanksgiving. During the reception, prizes were presented by Cathie Winnie, YMCA Visual Arts Director, and Julia Miller, Northbrook Arts Commission Chair.

In establishing this show, the Y’s Visual Arts Department invited all area students in grades 6, 7 and 8 to submit their original two-dimensional art projects. A total of 83 students turned in works in a wide variety of media, including paintings, pencil drawings, pastels, and metalwork. The work was then judged by a veteran local art teacher, who was not affiliated with the Y or the Northbrook Arts Commission. The judge selected first, second and third place winners at each grade level, with cash prizes sponsored by the Northbrook Arts Commission.

Sixth grade prize winners included Ellie Prober, 1st place; Laura Chung, 2nd place; and Natalie Brame, 3rd place. Among seventh graders, 1st place went to Sara Ulziibayar, 2nd Place to Matthew Mar, and 3rd place to Jackson Caron. Eighth grade prizes were awarded to Kaylyn Du, 1st place; Florian Kowalik, 2nd place; and Yeji Ansari, 3rd place.

“We’re very proud of everyone who participated,” commented Cathie Winnie, YMCA Visual Arts Director. “It takes a lot of courage and effort to prepare a piece of artwork for a show and have it judged, so I want to commend everyone who submitted.” All participants received a certificate and a free one-week pass to the Y.

The YMCA, located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, offers several art courses for junior high students, including classes in painting, drawing, ceramics and abstraction. For information about upcoming course registration, contact Cathie Winnie, cwinnie@nsymca.org.

About the North Suburban YMCA

The YMCA is a not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to fund capital improvements and keep its programs available to all, including those facing financial hardship. All board members are community volunteers, who donate their time, talents and financial resources.  Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the YMCA has served area families in its twelve-city region for over 40 years.  The Y is about youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, providing programs and services that meet the needs of our community and are accessible to all.  For more information or to make a donation call Tara Bilby at 847-272-7250, tbilby@nsymca.org, or visit www.nsymca.org.