MONROE — The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Monroe (GFWC-Monroe) conducted its annual art competitions for school aged children.

These competitions included: The Helen Farnsworth Mears Art contest for 7th and 8th graders, and the Poetry and Short Story contest for all grade levels. 

ABOUT THE ART CONTEST:

 The art contest was created in 1927 by GFWC-WI to honor this renowned Oshkosh sculptor, Helen Farnsworth Mears (1872-1916). Her works are on display in the U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Madison State Capitol, and other national and state collections. Governor Tony Evers proclaimed Dec. 21 as Helen Farnsworth Mears Day in Wisconsin. GFWC-Monroe is proud to continue honoring her for 97th year. 

Monroe Middle School participated with hundreds of entries submitted in categories 2D painting and drawing, and 3D sculpture. That made it difficult for judge, Kathy King, to choose a few winners.

The winners of the local contest went on to be judged at the district level where they competed with nine other communities. Two Monroe contestants won at the district level where their art moved on to be judged at the State level competing with 14 GFWC clubs. These same two ladies, Fiona Junk (First Place) and Jayde Hawkinson (Honorable Mention) won at the state level as well.  This is the second year in a row Monroe has had winners at the state level. GFWC-Monroe is proud of these ladies and all our contestants and their middle school art director, Dr. Michelle Mars. 

Junk’s art project will be displayed at the Oshkosh Public Museum, home of Helen Farnsworth Mears, during the Museum’s summer art exhibit. 

About Poetry and Short Story contest for grades 1-12

Every year the GFWC-WI conducts a Poetry and Short story contest for all children grades K-12. This year there were four schools participating with 215 entries. 

The local judges included Linda Nack, Deb Tchanz and Marilyn Kublyn-Schmid. 

The first place local winners went on to be judged at the state conference. There are two first-place winners from Monroe at the state level. Their work will be judged at the national level in June at the GFWC International Convention.