Young TC wins place in final of Lions ‘peace poster’ contest
A YOUNG Turkish Cypriot artist has won through to the final of a “peace poster” competition organised by Lions clubs worldwide.
Selin Beyza Güneş has already won a merit award and a $500 prize as one of 23 finalists chosen out of a selection of 123 — whittled down from an initial 600,000 under-14s who were sponsored by clubs in 60 countries.
The last 23 were chosen on the basis of creativity and originality in portraying the theme The Future of Peace by a Chicagobased jury and are being exhibited at the city’s Loyola University Museum of Art.
Other finalists come from Brazil, China, Britain, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Romania, Thailand and the US, and the grand prize winner will be announced on Lions Day in New York next Saturday, March 24.
Thirteen-year-old Selin’s entry was sponsored by the Girne Ada Lions Club after the club chose her poster in a competition at her school.
The 19 May Türk Maarif College student, who has been drawing and painting since the age of three, has already been presented with an art kit by the Girne club for her success — the first time they have received a merit citation in their second attempt at entering the annual contest, now in its 30th year.
Club president Zehra Günkut said: “She is a young girl who is determined to continue her artistic talent with education and practice and we wish to support and encourage her to do so as she has won a brilliant award. We are delighted to be part of this success by sponsoring her on behalf of the club.”