District of Eastern North America
Christmas Card Contest Winners
During this wonderful time of year, we asked Art students from across the District to capture the spirit of the Christmas Season in their own creative way. Three works were chosen for the District of Eastern North America Christmas Card, out of a total of 33 submissions. These High School Artists show great creative talent, but read below, and you’ll discover their talents go far beyond the canvas.
Cordelia Brewster, Senior
La Salle Academy – Providence, RI
When her Art Teacher Bill Connors announced the District Christmas Card Contest, Cordelia immediately thought of a painting of baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. “To me, it seemed like the obvious card cover,” said Cordelia.
Cordelia returned to La Salle this fall after spending her junior year (August 2008 through July 2009) in an all-girls Catholic high school in Japan where only Japanese was spoken.
“I had to learn to understand and speak Japanese,” said Cordelia. “Understanding and speaking the language was easier than studying my school work in it. It took me nearly six months before I was comfortable.”
The year of study in Japan was sponsored by Rotary International which paid all expenses except for plane fare. “I worked at Dunkin Donuts and saved all my money to be able to pay the travel,” said Cordelia who began her studies at La Salle in PEGASUS 7/8 as a freshman.
Talking about her future plans, the daughter of two Rhode Island School of Design graduates and the sister of a brother who is now at RISD, Cordelia said that she will likely break ranks and head back to Japan for college.
Asked about her five years at La Salle, she was quick with the answer. “The greatest thing about La Salle is the friends you make for life,” said Cordelia. “I am very close friends with most of the kids I met in seventh grade. I also love being involved in artistic things such as building and designing sets for the plays. For anyone interested in the arts, La Salle is the place to be.”
Ethan Hollenbaugh, Senior
Calvert Hall College High School – Baltimore, MD
Ethan Hollenbaugh (left) is not only a four year Honor Roll student with a 4.0 GPA, but was recently named a Maryland Distinguished Scholar finalist in visual arts, receiving an honorable mention in academics. Ethan is most proud to have his work chosen by the Mid-Atlantic Consortium of Catholic Schools for their holiday card, and last year was commissioned to produce a sculpture for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Division of Catholic Schools, for Journeys… a Celebration of the Arts. Part of the Peer Education Team at Calvert Hall as well as a Eucharistic Minister, Ethan plans to attend Maryland Institute College of Art where he will further his art studies.
Michael Lemon, Junior
Calvert Hall College High School – Baltimore, MD
Mike Lemon (right) is a McMullen Scholar with a 4.0 GPA, with a long list of activities including: Features editor of The Hall, the Executive Producer of CHC-TV, a Peer-Educator, Regis Tutor, and member of the National Honors Society. “Art has become an increasingly important aspect of my life,” said Mike when asked about his four years of art education at Calvert Hall. Mike plans to attend college and earn a degree in Industrial Design/Architecture, with ambitions of pursuing a career that allows him to use his creativity and intellect to benefit others.
To view the other artistic entries, click here.