ART CONTEST by The Children of One!

We have started a tradition at our One! International Galas in Edmonton.

Last year in January of 2010, in partnership with the Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace, our children were asked to draw "What does non-violence mean to you." We were thrilled at the art works the children produced, as well as their thoughtful portrayal of non-violent concepts. At the Gala we asked all the attendees to vote for the picture they thought best exemplified the non-violence theme.

The first three place winners received a small prize, and all the students at the two schools received art lessons. Attendees commented, in the after Gala survey, that they thought the exercise was a good one to bring India and the children closer to Canada and the sponsors.

"One! believes that every child can be inspired through creativity.  Learning to express oneself, helps develop self respect and confidence." (Julie H.) 

This year on One!'s 10th year anniversary 29 January 2011, the children were asked to draw what 'Happiness" means to them.

Once again, the attendees at the Gala were asked to place their vote for the painting that best represented the concept of happiness. I think happiness is a little harder to pin down, but the children did a magnificent job in their efforts.

This year, the paintings were framed before they were displayed for voting, and were available for purchase after the evenings events. In addition, were possible, a picture of the child artist was put on the back of the painting. Fifteen of the twenty paintings in the contest were sold for twenty dollars each.

Two special paintings were put in the Silent Auction part of the evening instead of the contest: One!s resident artist Sunil's painting, and One!'s blind student Rohit's painting. The one is "too good", and the other received "a little bit of help". Between the two of them, they raised $82.00 for the schools both are so very proud to be a part of.

Sunil - One!s Resident Artist



Rohit - Step 7 - Age 11 (blind)



 ALL OTHER PICTURES (Prior to them being framed)



Ramoo  - Step 10 - Age 17



Karan - Step 7 - Age 12





Vandana - Step 2 - Age 6






Ashish - Step 8 - Age 16





2nd Place
Sunil - Step 6 - Age 14




Parvati - Step 2 - Age 7



Ekta - Step 8 - Age 15



Navrit S. - Step 7 - Age 13




Omprakash - Step 5 - Age 10



Vipin - Step 4 - Age 8





Shashikant - Step 7 - Age 14





Ramesh - Step 10 - age 17



Sanjana - Step 4 - Age 9



3rd Place
Ashish - Step 8 - Age 16




Ramoo - Step 10 - Age 17





1st Place
Laxmi - Step 9 - Age 11



Saydha - Step 1 - Age 5



Gautham - Step 1 - Age 5





Shivkant - Step 5 - Age 11






Shabnam - Step 1 - Age 5



One of our Canadian volunteers Paragi bought one of the framed
paintings and has proudly displayed her picture
for all those who visit her office to see.

I hope you have enjoyed the art work of our students in India.
We think they are quite talented.
If you have any ideas for next year's theme, please let us know.