Blueberry Window Art Contest projected people’s creativity through their window decorations
Reeti Meenakshi Rohilla - Staff Writer
The Sioux Lookout Chamber of Commerce conducted the Blueberry Window Art Contest for a second time as part of the Blueberry Festival, motivating community members to display their creativity by decorating their windows.
The Chamber’s Executive Assistant, Kayleigh Bates, shared, “The Window Art Contest was created last year as many residents had picked up the hobby during quarantine and lockdown. We thought it would be a great addition to the festival to have local businesses, organizations, and residents decorate their windows with some blueberry art.”
The contest was divided into two categories: business and residential buildings. While there was only one entry for the residential category, there were several businesses and organizations that signed up for the business category, shared Bates.
“We did not have as many participants as last year, but it is probably because everyone was out and enjoying the in-person activities this year! However, those who entered the contest this year really impressed us with their artistic skills,” Bates said.
The winner for the residential category was Kiera Murphy, who took home a $50 gift certificate donated by the Sugar Shack Ice Cream Truck, and the business category prize was awarded to the Sioux Area Seniors Activity Centre. The Seniors Centre won a $150 gift certificate donated by Wilson’s Business Solutions. Bates explained that the winners were chosen on the basis of their artistry and composition, their representation of the Blueberry Festival theme, and the colour scheme.
“We would like to thank these sponsors for their generous donations and sponsorship of this contest!” shared Bates. “We would like to thank all of the other participating businesses and organizations who displayed some blueberry art during this year’s Blueberry Festival. There were also a couple participants who paid beautiful tributes to the victims and survivors of Indian Residential Schools with orange shirt paintings and illustrations with “Every Child Matters” included, alongside their blueberry artwork,” she added.
Bates shared that they hope to run this contest again next year as part of the 40th Blueberry Festival. “Until then we encourage you to keep creating and displaying your artwork for the community to see,” she concluded.