2014 marks the 50th anniversary of The Thanks-Giving Foundation (TTGF) and the 10th anniversary of its annual Expressions Art & Essay Competition. In celebration of these milestones, TTGF has revamped the Competition and renamed it the Expressions of Gratitude Arts Competition along with a few additional changes.
The Expressions of Gratitude Arts Competition is a terrific teaching opportunity about the values experienced through the practice of giving thanks. Designed to inspire students to think creatively, Expressions of Gratitude asks students in kindergarten through 12th grade to express cultural and personal perspectives on being grateful in different aspects of their lives. Each year, teachers, mentors, and parents are encouraged to have a lesson with young people using suggested discussion questions on a particular theme. The 2014 theme, I am grateful for the Golden Rule, will focus attention on an integral aspect of the mission of The Thanks-Giving Foundation – treating others as one would his or her self. Prize money from the competition supports arts in schools.
Teachers, mentors and parents in North Texas, as well as across the country and around the globe, are invited to enter the work of their students and children in Expressions of Gratitude from September 15 through December 15, 2014. In honor of the competition’s 10th anniversary, dance has been reinstated as a category. Judges from major museums, the public library, publications and educational institutions, as well as individual artists, will select the winners. Cash prizes will be awarded in art and essays in six grade groups, K-1, 2-3,
4-5, 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, and three grade groups in dance, K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Winners earn cash awards for themselves, and their teacher or school receives money for class supplies. For more information on how to enter, visit www.thanksgiving.org and go to the Expressions of Gratitude page. The awards ceremony will be held in early 2015.
The Expressions Competition began in 2005 when The Thanks-Giving Foundation was inspired to encourage North Texas students to express what they think about thanksgiving through the visual arts, dance and written word. In its history, the Competition has attracted several thousand entries from throughout Texas, eight other states and five foreign countries. The cash awards have done much to support arts in schools, especially in Uganda, where U.S. dollars multiply in value helping students and teachers. Each year, the Foundation is amazed at the thoughtful, expressive and compelling entries it receives.
Winning entries are exhibited at Thanks-Giving Square in the spring and during the winter holiday season and also are displayed at other venues.
About The Thanks-Giving Foundation: The Thanks-Giving Foundation promotes the spirit and unifying value of giving thanks in our community, nation and the world. The Foundation provides information and resources so that citizens from diverse backgrounds can use thanksgiving as a way to heal divisions and enhance mutual understanding. For more information, please visit www.thanksgiving.org.