Sidewalk artists honored with awards

Around 1,100youths ages 5to 18participated in the Oneida County Youth Bureau’s Sidewalk Art Contest.

UTICA, N.Y. » The winners of the Oneida County Youth Bureau’s 10th Annual Sidewalk Art Contest at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute in Utica have been chosen.

This year, 1,100 youths ages 5-18 years-old participated in the week-long event at various municipalities and youth-serving agencies throughout the county, and 80 youths made it to the final round, which took place on the sidewalks surrounding MWPAI on Thursday.

“It’s hard to believe this wonderful event has been taking place for 10 years now,” County Executive Anthony Picente said. “The creativity and enthusiasm displayed by our county youth each and every year is an absolute delight. I continue to be inspired by the joy and pride that emanates fromtheir faces as they craft these works of art.”

Each chalk design was evaluated by a panel of judges and medals were presented to the top three finishers in each age category where applicable. The winners were as follows:

5-7 Year-Olds

First Place: Ella Carcone (Our Lady of Lourdes)

Second Place: Tristan Zawada (Our Lady of Lourdes)

Third Place: Isabella Wilkosz ( Our Lady of Lourdes)

8-10 Year-Olds

First Place: Sean Acee (Westmoreland)

Second Place: Olivia Maynard (Our Lady of Lourdes)

Third Place: Aleesia Carter / Kimora Collins (Thea Bowman House)

11-13 Year-olds

First Place: Elise Mozloom(OurLadyof Lourdes)

Second Place: Addison Judycki (Oriskany)

ThirdPlace: Brooke Scarchilli (Our Lady of Lourdes)

14-18 Year-Olds

First Place: Lydia Kicinski (MWPAI)

“The kids’ artistic abilities and positive self-expressions were beautifully designed for all to be amazed,” said Oneida County Youth Bureau Director Kevin Green. “This event would not be possible without the support of our fantas- tic partners Walmart and Target. I would also like to thank our judges for their time and energy. Together, everyone gave the youth of Oneida County an opportunity to experience one of the crown jewels of Oneida County: Munson-WilliamsProctor Art Institute.”

For more information on Sidewalk Art or any other initiatives, contact the Youth Bureau at 798-5027 or visit www.ocgov.net/youth.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Front row, from left, 8-10 Year-Old Winners: Sean Acee (Westmoreland), Olivia Maynard (Our Lady of Lourdes), Aleesia Carter (Thea Bowman), Kimora Collins (Thea Bowman). Back row from left, are Kevin Green, Melanie Adams, Judy Ingalls, Rochelle Ferro and Rebecca Kearns.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Participants in the Oneida County Sidewalk Art Contest for 2018.