Five local primary schools are celebrating their artistic talent following their “outstanding contributions” to an Islington Council art competition marking the anniversary of the end of World War II.<br><br>A total of £850 in prize money was awarded to three students and their schools while the other two schools received special mention from the judges for their submissions.<br><br>The art pieces, which were on display at Islington Town Hall during September, represent the children’s interpretation of victory in Europe (VE) day events that took place 60 years ago this year.<br><br>Sadie Levy-Gale from Yerbury School scooped the first prize for her colourful pencil and paint drawing of a fireworks display at a VE day celebration.<br><br>She said: "One of the things I know about the second world war is that food was rationed. This made me think that when the war was over everyone would make a special effort to make food for a big celebration. So that's what inspired the long table of food in my picture."<br><br>Max Reynolds and James Dessurne from Canonbury Primary School shared second prize for their joint painting and the third prize went to Asha Ahmed from Hungerford School.<br><br>Central to the themes of many of the 28 paintings is the Great Britain flag and the sense of national pride that swept the country at celebration events for VE day.<br><br>Islington Mayor, Jonathan Dearth, and Councillor James Kempton, Executive Member for Children’s Services, judged the artwork. The prizes will be presented to the four artists and their schools on Tuesday 18 October 2005 at 4.30pm in the Mayor’s Parlour.<br><br>“It is a real pleasure being involved with this competition as it gives our younger residents a chance to learn about World War II and to present their understanding visually in art,” Mayor Dearth said.<br><br>“All the artists deserve a special mention for their beautiful drawings and paintings and I also thank the schools for participating in this competition, which is centred around this most important part of our history.”<br><br>The competition is one of more than 30 events, street parties, local history projects, plays and intergenerational programmes that Islington Council has sponsored this year to commemorate the 60th anniversary of VE and VJ days.<br><br>In total £50,000 in grants were awarded by the council with £850 in prize money being earmarked for this competition.<br><br>Prizes were awarded by the Mayor, Cllr Jonathan Dearth on Tuesday 18 October 2005 in the Mayor’s Parlour at the Town Hall. <br><br>Editor’s notes:<br><br>All entries were painting or pencil drawings, slightly smaller than A3.<br><br>Entries were judged by the Mayor of Islington and Councillor James Kempton, Executive member for children’s services and the winners announced to schools on 27 September 2005.<br><br>There were three prizes categories:<br>· First prize is £500 – £50 for an individual pupil and £450 for your school<br>· Second Prize is £250 – £25 for an individual pupil and £225 for your school<br>· Third prize is £100 – £15 for an individual pupil and £85 for your school
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009