THE IMAGINATION PROJECT: MIDDLE SCHOOL WINNERS
Emilia G., 12, Sixth grade, Jerling Junior High School, Orland Park
Fisher: “On top of a flawless composition, the winter-blue aura behind the snowman brings an element of magic into this piece.’’
Olinger: ‘‘I also really appreciate the texture created by the slight shading in each snowball, it looks very much like the exact texture of tightly packed snow. I was also so happy to see that the snowflakes in the background had a silver sheen to them.”
Adrian L., 13, Seventh grade, Wadsworth Stem Elementary School, South Side
Fisher: “Good vibes only! This lil guy could easily be on a hat or shirt. The positive message and posture of the snowman make winter just the right amount of warmer.” Olinger: ‘‘The broom is perfect. And love the lines you created for the ground. He looks like he is having a jolly good time.’’
Gloria B., 12, Sixth grade, Coonley Elementary School, North Side
Fisher: “Though only a small part of the work, the snowman’s hat and nose really shine in this. The warm colors let you focus on the subject in foreground while enjoying the colder colors of the background.” Olinger: “I love the scene behind him. The trees in the distance really help to give some depth and perspective.”
ABOVE
Tyler D., 13, Seventh grade, Liberty Junior High School, New Lenox
Fisher: “If this snowman was a real person, I wouldn’t mess with it. … Strength and scale make this guy captain of the block.”
Olinger: “Very well proportioned. And I love that he is wearing clothing from real life, which makes him seem like a real person almost.’’
LEFT
Elizabeth F., 13, Seventh grade, Kimball Middle School, Elgin
Fisher: ‘‘The strong lighting suggests the coming of warmer weather, as the snowman appears to be slowly, but happily, melting.”
Olinger: “The first thing I notice is the use of shadows to accentuate the figure, which is done very well and instantly creates a lot of dimension.’’
Alessio C., 11, & Zoe C., 8, Sixth grade & third grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago
Fisher: “Wow, perfect snowman much? This is what a snowman looks like in the dictionary. Solid!”
Olinger: ‘‘The proportions here are perfect, and each snow ball is so neatly and smoothly packed. I think my favorite part is the little smoke pipe, which I think really gives Mr. Snowpocalypse his personality. He is very dapper.”
Lara A., 12, Seventh grade, Century Junior High School, Orland Park
Fisher: “The Northern lights-inspired sky is the real star in this one. The viewer quickly registers the snowman and house as the subject, allowing the wonderful gradient in the sky to complement and complete this scene.” Olinger: “The shadows in the snowman are really well done and create a nice 3D effect.”
Meghan R., 12, Sixth grade, Dore Elementary School, Southwest Side
Fisher: “There’s no better medium for snowman art than cotton balls? No. No, there is not. The fluffiness of the medium reminds me of the first snow.”
Olinger: “The texture here is amazing. I want to reach out and touch it. That blue is one of my favorite shades of blue. It’s so deep and rich. I like how contrasting it is to the rest of the piece.”
Maya H., 12, Seventh grade, Grace Lutheran School, River Forest
Fisher: “This is not your typical onesnowman yard. I wouldn’t want to be Snow Thanos in this neighborhood.”
Olinger: “The theme here is so fun! I love that it plays off something from pop culture that is easy to recognize but pushes the imagination to think of what a world full of Snowvengers would be like.”
Slater W., 12, Seventh grade, Palos South Middle School, Palos Park
Fisher: “The winter centipede! I love how this breaks from the standard three-piece snowman and takes a new, almost Super Mario-villain approach. Jingle bell eyes also give an alien quality to this snow bug.”
Olinger: “Whoaaaa! Very creative. I love an untraditional snowman. I really enjoyed how you used shiny, round objects for the eyeballs, it imitates an eye quite well, especially since you can see your reflection in it. So cool!”