Photo above: McAllen students featured in Art Pathways kickoff, alongside City Manager Isaac Tawil and Asst. Library Director of Public Service Kristina Garcia. Photo courtesy of City of McAllen.
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Staff Report
McAllen, TX - The McAllen Public Library announced the Art Pathways Contest, a citywide youth art competition inviting participants ages 5 to 18 to create original artwork inspired by a favorite book.
Participants are asked to read a book and paint a favorite scene on an 8-by-10-inch canvas using acrylic paint, incorporating Marty the Library Cat into the artwork. Marty serves as the library’s mascot and appears at programs promoting reading.
Program details
The contest is open to McAllen residents with an active library card. Free art kits that include a canvas, paint and brushes will be available to the first 500 registered participants while supplies last.
Artwork submissions are due by 5 p.m. May 8 and will be displayed at McAllen Public Library locations, including the Main, Lark and Palm View branches.
Awards
Each branch will present first, second and third place awards in three age categories: 5 to 8, 9 to 13, and 14 to 18.
First-place winners will receive an iPad and Apple Pencil. Second-place winners will receive wireless headphones. Third-place winners will receive a $100 Walmart gift card.
City response
City officials said the program is intended to support literacy and creative expression among youth.
Mayor Javier Villalobos encouraged participation from families and educators. City Manager Isaac J. Tawil said the initiative supports programs designed to invest in local youth. Library Director Kate Horan said the contest encourages participants to connect with stories and express their interpretations through art.
For more information, contact 956-681-3000 or visit www.mcallenlibrary.net
Source -- McAllen Public Library