The Town of Middletown has announced the winners of its sixth annual Holiday Card Art Contest, selecting four designs that will grace the community’s official holiday cards this season.
Two Gaudet Middle School students — sixth grader Hawkin Powers and eighth grader Ella Cochran — along with adults Elizabeth Brassard and Vanessa Ellerman were recognized during a ceremony Tuesday afternoon at Town Hall. Each artist received a $25 gift card, a framed print of their artwork, and 12 blank cards featuring their design.
This year’s contest drew 25 submissions around the theme “Winter Holiday In Middletown.”
Town Councilor Peter Connerton presented the awards from the council chambers.
“I’ve said it before, but this is honestly one of my favorite activities of all we do on the council,” Connerton said. “Every year, it’s a challenge to name a winner and this is what makes Middletown such a special place for all of us.”
The winning designs each captured a different slice of Middletown’s holiday spirit. Powers’ “Santa’s Sleigh Over Second Beach” features Santa and his present-laden red sleigh flying over a lifeguard stand through the snow. Cochran’s “Happy Holidays At Prescott Farm” depicts the local landmark with decorated Christmas trees. Brassard’s “Holiday Tree At Surfer’s End” offers a take on the Mystery Tree that appears each season at the popular gathering spot. And Ellerman’s “A Visit From The Middletown Fire Department” captures the beloved tradition of Santa visiting neighborhoods with Middletown Firefighters Local 1933.
The town uses the designs on holiday cards sent to employees, volunteers, officials, and others who help make Middletown a great place to live, work, and play.
Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown thanked administrative assistant Maureen Maurer for coordinating another successful contest.
“I look forward to seeing the submissions every year,” Brown said. “We have so many talented artists in Middletown and it’s always interesting to see how everyone interprets the theme. Another thing I’m really proud of is how we make our holiday card something that’s genuinely from our community, which is pretty unique in Rhode Island.”