A large group gathered to enjoy the Annual Student Carousel Art Contest award ceremony held at the New England Carousel Museum on Sunday, Nov. 30. The contest was judged by Rick Fitzsimons, a local artist of national reputation; Judy Baker, head of the Museum Restoration Department; and Kate Mahoney, Museum Subject Specialist.
The Best in Show painting was created by Katie Schmidt, a 10th grade student from Plainville and the Executive Directors Award went to Elizabeth Peplav, a fourth grade student from Terryville.
Grades 4, 5, 6, category was won by Aniela King, 9. Second prize went to Isabella Bergeron, 10. Third prize went to Gabriel Paez, 9. Honorable Mention was given to Roz Green, 8, and Ti Senior, 8.
Grades 1, 2, 3 category was won by Stevie Shatas, 7. Second prize went to Madeline Buono, 8, and Lukas Nadolski, 8. Third prize went to Nathan Misluk, 8. Honorable Mention was given to Nicole Westover, 8.
Pre K and K category was won by Ixchel Crivelli, 5. Second prize went to Peyton Bertschinger, 4 1/2.
The contest is kicked off each year in October in celebration of National Art and Humanities month. The event is sponsored by the New England Carousel Museum, the Bushnell Park Carousel and Dick Blick Art Supply. In addition to the major prizes, each winner is given free admission passes to the museum in Bristol, and free carousel ride tickets to the Bushnell Park Carousel in Hartford.
The New England Carousel Museum located at 95 Riverside Avenue, Bristol is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, call (860)585-5411 or visit thecarouselmuseum.org.
Rick Fitzsimons, head judge, is surrounded by the winners of the 2014 New England Carousel Museum Art Contest for students.