For the young - or the young at heart - it may seem like the holiday season can't come fast enough. If you are among those who are counting down the days toward winter break, you'll be glad to know that Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is introducing the holiday spirit a little early: Packard recently kicked off their second annual Holiday Art Contest. (The frosty fellow shown above is last year's winning entry, created by Taylor Simpson.)
Recently, I corresponded with Packard Hospital's development assistant, Siobhan McDonnell, and program manager, Megan Garner, to learn more about the event and how young artists can take part in this year's contest.
How did the Packard Hospital Holiday Art Contest get its start?
Garner: Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, which fundraises for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, has used patient artwork on its holiday cards for many years. But, in the past it has been very challenging to acquire winter-themed artwork from patients, particularly because we ask for that artwork in September, at the end of the summer! So the Holiday Art Contest was born out of our desperation to get more patient artwork.
McDonnell: Last year, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital’s hosted its first ever Holiday Art Contest. The winner’s artwork was featured on the Hospital Foundation’s holiday card, which was mailed to thousands of donors who gave to Packard Children’s Hospital within the past year. The winner also received a $25 gift card to University Arts.
Picking a winner for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital’s Holiday Art Contest last year was no easy task. We received submissions from patients, their siblings, and even from Packard employees' children. Artists ranged from 3 to 16 years old.
How can artists submit their entries?
Artwork, along with a submission form, can be turned in at Packard Hospital's front desk, or mailed to:
LPFCH - Holiday Art Contest
400 Hamilton Ave, Suite 340
Palo Alto, CA 94301.Submissions must be postmarked by September 27, 2013. For more information, please visit online: www.supportlpch.org/ArtContest.
Artwork by Taylor Simpson
