Neighborhood Networks Week Poster Contest —Turning Words into Art

Information by State  Print version   The winning entry in the 2006 Poster Contest —submitted by Iris Jones of The Pines Learning Tree Neighborhood Networks Center.

In early spring, Neighborhood Networks encouraged HUD multifamily Neighborhood Networks centers to invite their resident-artists of all ages to turn words into art and participate in the annual Neighborhood Networks Poster Contest. Contestants could use markers, paints, crayon, or colored pencils to create a visual version of this year's Neighborhood Networks Week theme Uniting Neighbors. Strengthening Communities.

Neighborhood Networks centers throughout the country submitted more than 150 entries. Posters were judged on originality, artistic merit, and expression of the theme. After intense judging of the many exceptional entries, by more than 150 participants at the recent Regional Technical Assistance Workshop (RTAW), held in San Diego, California, Iris Jones of The Pines Learning Tree Neighborhood Networks Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, was chosen as the overall winner.

It took Jones just 4 hours to create her winning concept. With no formal training in drawing or painting and never having painted anything before, she just wanted to create something that would speak to individuals of all ages and express this year's Neighborhood Networks Week theme.

"I am very pleased with winning," said Jones. "It encourages me to pursue painting as a hobby. I would like to thank the manager of The Pines Apartment, Marilyn Wooliver, for bringing the contest to our attention. She has been wonderful in providing our community with various activities. These events have brought us closer together as neighbors. We feel as if we are family."

Jones' poster will be printed and distributed to all centers for Neighborhood Networks Week, July 31-August 5, 2006. First-, second-, and third-place winners also were announced in each of the four categories (children, youth, adults, and seniors).

Neighborhood Networks would like to thank all of those artists who submitted an entry. To see the first-, second-, and third-place winners in each age category, visit the links below.

Overall Winner
Iris Jones
The Pines Learning Tree Neighborhood Networks Center Knoxville, Tennessee

Individual Category Winners

Children Ages 6-12

First Place
Walter M.
Sister Mary Lucy Neighborhood Networks Center Denver, Colorado

Second Place
Travon M.
Lazard Education Center Lafayette, Louisiana

Third Place
Abok M.
Sister Mary Lucy Neighborhood Networks Center Denver, Colorado

Youth Ages 13-17

First Place
Javonte C.
St. James Manor Computer Learning Center Omaha, Nebraska

Second Place
Jenny C.
Castle Square Tenants Organization, Inc. Boston, Massachusetts

Third Place
Sabrina H.
West Durango Plaza Learning Center San Antonio, Texas

Adults Ages 18-64

First Place
Josie Agridano
Laredo Manor Apartments Laredo, Texas

Second Place
Janeth Bennett
Northland Computer Learning Center Dayton, Ohio

Third Place
April Dumford
Northland Computer Learning Center Dayton, Ohio

Seniors Ages 65 and Older

First Place
Patricia Dressler
Ingleside Retirement Apartments Wilmington, Delaware

Second Place
Green Park Terrace Focus Group
The Knowledge Center @ The Terrace Indianapolis, Indiana

Third Place
Meri Koropova
Golda Meir House Computer Learning Center Auburndale, Massachusetts