Lowell — Inspired by siblings, mothers, helping hands, pets and even snacks, Lowell High School students recently created art based on the theme of Be Nice Week: kindness, compassion and community.
Be Nice Week is a student-created week in February devoted to bringing joy to students in the middle of the long winter months. Art is one way to do that, said art teacher Sarah Ellis, which is why the school held an art competition.
“The LHS Be Nice Week Art Show was a huge success, and we’re excited to announce the talented winners whose artwork beautifully captured the spirit of kindness,” she said.
Students and staff members voted on the entries and the winning pieces will be on permanent display at Lowell High School.
Here are the top five pieces with the artists’ descriptions.
First place: Quinn Massey
Title: “Sandy”
From the artist: “The past two years of being a new sister to two wonderful baby boys is a truly extraordinary experience. Kindness, compassion, and community are two valuable lessons to teach and have for the people around us. The main component of it all is love. The love I share for Sandy is beyond words, and until another one came along, I didn’t know I could have such a connection to more than just him. I cannot wait to capture the other half of the story next year.”
Second place: Lannie Wester
Title: “Unexpected Loyalty”
From the artist: “This painting captures an unlikely friendship between a raccoon and a dog. We, as humans, could learn from nature. We should search for the good in others, not an outward appearance. And just maybe, we can find loyalty with our differences.”
Third place: Aysha VandenBosch
Title: “Unconditional”
From the artist: “By the end of our first playdate, we learn ‘scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.’ During recess, we help the girl who scrapes her knee because we are told ‘treat others the way you want to be treated.’ In the stress of the night before a big exam we remember ‘you reap what you sow. You’ve got this!’ When we finally miss out on a huge promotion that will better support our family, we succumb to ‘you win some, you lose some.’ But from the moment we are born until the end of time, it is a fact: our mother’s unconditional love for us. She is the kindest, most caring, protective friend, without asking for a thing.”
Fourth place: Emma Boston
Title: “Beep-Boop: Cheez-Its”
From the artist: “This piece is about two androids replicating the human ritual of sharing a snack. Humans often share snacks during class, and while it may seem like a small gesture, these interactions strengthen the invisible bonds of friendship within such a daunting environment. Snacks form camaraderie.”
Fifth place: Ayla Charon
Title: “Reaching Out”
From the artist: “We won’t always know when someone may be struggling. All they may need is someone to give them a helping hand. Something as simple as a hello and a smile may mean more than you think. Treat people like they matter, because they do.”
Read more Student Voices:
• In their own words: Students discuss smoking, trampolines
• Student journalists weigh in on book challenges
