Three young artists were honored at Government House on St. Croix on Friday as winners of a mental health-themed art contest, sponsored by Gov. John deJongh Jr. and his wife, Cecile deJongh. Winners were recognized on St. Thomas on Thursday.
The “My Feelings are a Work of Art” contest was open to junior high and middle school students throughout the territory. The purpose of the contest was “to recognize our students and also recognize the important issues our community faces regarding mental health,” the governor said.
“We asked them to express their feelings about mental illness and how it impacts the community,” he said. The best way to let students express themselves and their feelings is through art and music.
The judges were artists Elisa McKay, Gail Widmer, John Jones, Betsy Campden and Niarus Benjamin. McKay said the students were allowed to create in various media. The artwork was judged on originality and composition, she said.
The St. Croix winner, J’shyla James, and artists receiving honorable mention, Hannah Felix and Denali Nicholas, attend Elena Christian Jr. High School and they had very different ideas on what mental health looks like.
James, a seventh-grader, drew a face, half dark and half light, with “a line between happiness and sadness.” Since moods change from day to day, everyone should “live for the moment,” she said. Her artwork will hang in Government House for the next four months.
Nicholas, an eighth-grader, penciled a literal portrait of mental health. He drew stressors, such as utility bills, gas bills and the headstone of a friend who died. Also surrounding the central figure were items for comfort and happiness – family, friends and soccer.
Felix, also an eighth-grader, created a more traditional piece – the rear view of a woman with red hair whose long gown is patches of blue, green, pink, black and orange. The bright colors represent different vibrant personalities, she said. Felix’s artwork was marker and colored pencil.
In the St. Thomas/St. John district, the winners were Paulina Vargas from Addelita Cancryn Jr. High on St. Thomas and Ameir Sprauve from Julius Sprauve Elementary on St. John.
Honorable mentions awards were presented to Tianna Rogers and Angel Mordan of Cancryn Jr. High; and to Tianna Rogers of Sprauve Jr. High and Lillie Hayward of Guy Benjamin Elementary on St. John.
This is the second year the national initiative was sponsored in the Virgin Islands to bring awareness to mental health and mental illness during Mental Health Month. The Virgin Islands Council on the Arts was a cosponsor.
Other events to bring awareness to mental health issues in the territory included radio shows focusing on mental wellness and several programs for the public, the governor said.