BEST IN SNOW

Elementary-age winners in Sun-Times’ snowman art contest

Make us your best snowman — build one outdoors and photograph it, or create one with art. That was the callout to Chicago-area kids for the latest Chicago Sun-Times art contest, part of what we call The Imagination Project.

Among the snowmen sent in, there was one on the moon (accompanied by a rocket and an alien). We got a snowman in love. A group of snowmen set against a backdrop of snowflakes and a rainbow. And, of course, a ninja snowman.

We’re showcasing the winning images and runners-up here from elementary school kids, those in prekindergarten through fifth grade, along with encouraging critiques from two professional artists: Cujo Dah and Hailey Losselyong. Middle school and high school winners will be unveiled next weekend.

TOP LEFT

Eliette M., 5, Kindergarten, Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School, Oak Park Cujo Dah: “This beautiful artwork reaffirms the importance of family. In solidarity, we hear you; we agree.” Hailey Losselyong: “Loving the effect of paper on top of paper. Such a happy little family!”

BOTTOM LEFT

Sadhana S., 6, First grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

Dah: “This is a scene. A great story of an epic journey is taking place. Very well done.”

Losselyong: “Loving the texture in this snowman. Also loving these cute green houses — they’re adding the perfect pop of color.”

ABOVE

Oliver K., 11, Fifth grade, Maplebrook Elementary School, Naperville

Dah: “This is like Lichtenstein, Van Gogh and Monet on one canvas, I’m floored.”

Losselyong: “The variety of textures is really cool! I think more snowmen should have triangular heads like this one.”