Realistic poster wins national award
By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com
A Kindersley Composite student received recognition from the Kindersley Legion on Tuesday, June 22. Grade 11 student Monica Allen was awarded third place in the national finals 2021 “Senior Coloured Category” of the Legion poster contest. She also placed first in four levels: Branch, Zone, District and Provincial. Sergeant at Arms Dave Burke and Branch Treasurer Ernie Krepps did the honours of presenting the award and a $250.00 prize.
Dave Burke noted that in previous years, winners from Kindersley had got as far as districts, but Monica is the first to place at the national level. It is quite an accomplishment, and Monica’s winning poster is impressive.
The veteran pictured on her poster is Leslie Mann. “I was looking through Canadian veteran websites and came across him,” Monica said, explaining her selection. “I drew it with a combination of graphite and pencil crayons.” The resulting image is truly realistic.
“Last year, I made it to districts before getting out in second place,” Monica recalled. “It was very surreal to see that I had actually got this far with my art, and everyone I would meet is congratulating and complimenting me on it. I didn’t think it would get as far as it did, but in the end, I’m very thankful and can’t wait to continue exploring and improving on my work.”
Monica said she began taking art seriously in eighth grade when she explored different techniques and styles until she found an interest in realism through doing school projects. Monica said, “The school projects eventually led me to draw in my free time where I practiced different ways to get the end product that I was looking for in each piece.” Monica also wants to expand from graphite and coloured pencils to painting.
The young artist is very humble and considers her collection to be of medium-range quality because of her years of experience and the time she puts into each piece. “Most of my drawings consist of portraits, whether it be animal or human. I usually like capturing people who I really look up to but in general, I just like drawing anything or anyone that I find interesting to look at.”
This talented young lady’s future plans include enrolling in a mixed-media program at college and seeing where that leads her in terms of a career.
Monica Allen’s realistic poster.
Monica receives a certificate and cheque from local Legion Branch #57 members, Dave Burke and Ernie Krepps.
Photo by Kate Winquist