Ceremony hails winning artists, writers in Dist. 214
For the second year in a row, an Arlington Heights photographer who once took photos for the campaign staffs working for Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush won first place in the visual arts section of the District 214/Daily Herald Community Art & Writing Contest.
Jeanne Garrett was on hand Tuesday to receive her award during a ceremony held at the Forest View Educational Center for all winners - including students and community members - in District 214's 41st annual Arts Unlimited festival.
The event started with a reception, where guests looked at winning entries of art, prose and poetry displayed throughout the lobby, while members of Wheeling High School's a cappella group performed.
"What a wonderful opportunity for students not only to show their art but to talk about their art with members of the community," said Alva Kreutzer, president of the board of Northwest Suburban High School District 214.
Garret's photo of a diptych is part of a series of photographs in which she combined architecture with nature. Former Elk Grove High School art teacher Liz Schrenk, who judged the art entries, found that it transcended a literal description.
"This piece simultaneously celebrates shape, color and movement as the structure transforms and takes flight," Schrenk said.
Garret's photo was published in Monday's Daily Herald, along with the first-place entry in the prose contest, "Grip," written by Briana Collins of Arlington Heights. She also was on hand to receive her award.
"I've been writing stories since I've been in third grade, but mostly they've stayed in my head," Collins said as she held her young son. "Winning this is really fulfilling. To see it in print, for other people to read, is really exciting."
Each year, the Daily Herald partners with Northwest Suburban High School District 214 to sponsor the contest, allowing adults who live in the district to compete alongside students in the annual Arts Unlimited competition.
In all, there were more than 130 entries in this year's community contest, said Jennifer Aguilar-Iannotti, an Elk Grove High School art teacher and coordinator of Arts Unlimited, with the most entries in poetry.
Jeff Arena, who judged the poetry division, said topics covered ranged from war veterans, Aleppo and immigrants to health care and cancer.
"As a group, the entrees reflect the topicality of poetry, and how these authors are writing their way through the big ideas we face," Arena said.
Nik Buzinskis of Buffalo Grove took first place for his poem titled "Turkey Soup."
During the ceremony, district officials presented John Bottiglieri with the "Friend of the Arts" award. He is a longtime Elk Grove High School English and film teacher who also coordinates the school's fine and performing arts. He is retiring this year and plans to spend more time in the arts, he told the crowd.
"Art is the part of life that gets you through the rest - the working, the bills, the anxiety," he said. "It's the juice of life; it's why we're alive."