Pictured are the winners of the North Webster Community Public Library and Syracuse Public Library’s “All Together Now” teen art contest. In front from left are Eva Kennelly, Emerie Walker, Kendall Toumey and Skye-Leigh Kitson. In back are Eleanor Nightingale, Jackson Hayes and Julia Stover. Not pictured are Raily Klinefelter and Katianne Bolinger. Photo by Sarah Wright.

News Release

SYRACUSE — North Webster and Syracuse community members gathered to celebrate local teen artists during the “All Together Now” teen art contest open house Friday, Jan. 13. The open house concluded the joint North Webster Community Public Library and Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library teen art contest that saw 13 teen artists submit artwork.

At least 90 people attended the open house, where Friends from the North Webster and Syracuse libraries provided appetizers and SPL’s Rebekah Sceniak performed live with her violin.

Prizes were awarded in three brackets based on grades. In the sixth through seventh grade group, winners were Raily Klinefelter (first place), Emerie Walker (second place) and Eva Kennelly (third place). Eleanor Nightingale (first place), Julia Stover (second place) and Kendall Toumey (third place) were the winners in grades eighth through ninth. Finally, Skye-Leigh Kitson (first place), Katianne Bolinger (second place) and Jackson Hayes (third place) were the winners in grades 10-12.

Because of an anonymous donation, the gift card amounts were increased, so first place winners received $100 gift cards, second place winners $50 gift cards and third place winners $30 gift cards.

Pieces were judged by five volunteer judges, all of whom are local artists: Emily Austin of Emily Austin Design; Deb Connett; Angie Deak of Made on Main; Fred Clark of Sturdy Oaks; and Golden Seaton, whose art is currently displayed at 2nd Floor Gallery & Studio. Wawasee High School art teacher Christi Ziebarth and her students also helped with the judging.

All art pieces will be displayed at NWCPL from Jan. 16-27 and then at SPL from Jan. 30 to Feb. 10. At the end of these displays, teen artists can pick up their pieces from their home library, which they had listed on their entry forms.