Next time you drive by the Boys & Girls Club, think of it as an artists’ colony. That’s because so many of the children and teens who are members participate in artistic programs.
A recent art contest, with the members of the Murfreesboro and Smyrna/LaVergne units competing, resulted in some terrific art work. Leading the young people in their artistic endeavors was a Riverdale High School teacher, Claudia van Wort.
“One of my favorite public-service projects each year is working with the Boys & Girls Clubs when the two Rutherford County units compete against each other. It’s all in good fun and helps reward so many children in our community for their artistic prowess,” van Wort said.
Helping with the annual contest is Hobby Lobby, which donates all the art supplies for the one-day event. “The kids really get into this every year. I don’t want to hinder their creativity at all, so Hobby Lobby provides a wide array of supplies, from paints and chalks to paper of all kinds,” said Hank Bevel, general manager of the Murfreesboro Hobby Lobby. The local Hobby Lobby now has several of the art works on display.
Each student who created an art work for the event received a $5 check from Franklin Synergy Bank. A judges panel, comprised of ranking executives at Franklin Synergy, chose three artists as the winners. Those creative students each received a check for $25 from the bank.
“Any time we can reward our county’s children for such wholesome expressions of art, it’s money well spent,” said Alexander Moser, bank president. “You can bet that Franklin Synergy will help sponsor this event for years to come.”
Michael Wrather, whose depiction of a baseball signed by legend Babe Ruth won the contest
, said he will “never forget” his excitement when his name was called. “I was so hoping they would call my name, but then when they did, I just jumped right up and starting yelling,” he said. “Sometimes, it’s hard to describe how exciting things can be.” ∴
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