If you find yourself in the Grays Harbor County Juvenile Courtroom, something on the wall may catch your eye. After a county-wide search, seven pieces of art created by local students hang on the wall. The contest was the first of its kind for the county and was the brainchild of Judge Vini Samuel.
“We started this because it’s important to us to see how youth view their world,” shares Superior Court Judge Vini Samuel. “And we wanted to celebrate their creativity and talent.”
Grays Harbor Student Art Contest
Thirty-five kids ages 18 and under submitted their artwork for the contest. The theme was, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” The artwork could be in any medium as long as it was no larger than 11 inches by 16 inches. They had many entries from a photography class at a local school, shares Kevin Badten, juvenile court administrator for Grays Harbor County Juvenile Court.
“Three contest judges, employees of the Juvenile Department, systematically scored the entries on the criteria of creativity, clarity of theme and overall impression of the artwork,” shares Badten.
Seven students were awarded with the privilege of having their piece of art hanging in the courtroom:
First Place, Grace Graham of Wishkah Valley High for “Word Vomit”
Second Place, Josh Bale of Simpson Elementary for “Beach Pick Up”
Third Place, Jazmyn Jones of Aberdeen School District for “Host Club Reunion”
Fourth Place, Ayla Walker of Central Elementary for “Stray Dogs (The Stray)”
Fifth Place, Anika Dagnen of Simpson Elementary for “Save The Wolves”
Sixth Place, Malachi Malidore of Aberdeen School District for “A Piece Of Peace”
Seventh Place, River Goehrung of Ocosta Elementary for “Take Care Of Earth”
Along with having their art displayed, first place received a $125 gift card, second place a $50 gift card and third place a $25 gift card. “Initially these were going to be the only prizes awarded, but we were so impressed with all the artwork, we decided at the last minute to award the other four winners with $15 gift cards,” adds Badten.
Each students’ artwork was framed by local business, Whisperwood Custom Framing Studio. “A big thank you to Whisperwood Custom Framing Studio in Montesano,” says Badten. “Marisa, the owner, does a wonderful job, and she even offered to frame the contest winner’s art for free when we switch the artwork out in February for new contest winners.”
The next art contest will begin in January with the new winners’ art replacing the current artwork.
Viewing the Art at the Grays Harbor County Juvenile Courtroom
Badten says the courtroom is usually locked, but those wanting to see the art can stop by during business hours and ask a staff member to let them in to view it. Business hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Prize money was donated by court employees. If you would like to make a donation towards the next contest, you can call Badten at 360.500.4113.
“I want to thank every student who entered,” Samuel said, “Juvenile Court Administrator, Kevin Badten for his hard work along with Debbie Day for putting this together and applaud the juvenile department staff for judging all the entries and putting on the reception – and our hope is that we can make this an annual event.”
