Cincinnati Public Library merges literacy with art

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County’s annual Teen Drawing Contest is underway.
 
From now until January 31, students between the ages of 12 and 18 are encouraged to create a piece of artwork inspired by a story or book, and submit it for a chance to win art supplies, Chipotle gift cards and a permanent place in the library’s virtual collection.
 
“A lot of teens like to express themselves creatively, and they find inspiration kind of everywhere, like any artist—inspiration’s everywhere,” says Jennifer Korn, TeenSpot manager at the PLCHC’s main branch. “But it seems like the teens find a work of literature, or a comic, or a character that they really connect with, and that becomes a huge inspiration in their art.”
 
For this year’s contest, the library is partnering with Elementz Urban Arts Center to offer four different artist-led workshop sessions for teens.
 
“The artist who’s teaching it—his focus has been street art, graffiti and also comics—but he’s willing to work with the teens regardless of medium and style to provide feedback and tips,” Korn says.
 
Student attendees will receive a sketchpad, drawing pencils and a kneadable eraser to work on their concepts.
 
“When we started this contest, we were hoping to make the connection between literature and creative expression,” Korn says. “Obviously, literature is a creative inspiration because it’s writing, but you can express that through other mediums and also show teens that the library does have books, but we have things beyond books—activities, programs and contests that show we also value their input in the community.” 

Do Good:

• Register your teen to attend one of the drawing sessions. 

• Encourage a teen to enter the contest and submit their work, as well as an entry form to any PLCHC location by the January 31 deadline. 

• Support the PLCHC and Elementz by donating.

By Brittany York
Brittany York is a professor of English composition at the University of Cincinnati and a project manager for Charitable Words. She also edits the For Good section of SoapboxMedia.