For the Tomahawk Leader

WISCONSIN — Two Lincoln County youth were among the winners of this year’s Celebrate the Arts 4-H Art Contest.

The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation said the youth art was selected through a statewide contest that attracted more than 100 entries.

Lincoln County’s Alexis Lonsdorf and Amalthea Kinney were among the approximately 20 Badger State youth honored for their work.

Lonsdorf, 12, was named a winner for her Lion’s Head (Wood), while Kinney, 10, was recognized for her drawing of baby chickens under a heat lamp. Kinney was one of two Wisconsin youth to receive an Emerging Artist Award for artistic promise and creativity.

“This year’s contest was a great success,” said Brenda Scheider, Wisconsin 4-H Foundation Executive Director. “This is a great showcase for our 4-H youth, who are incredibly talented and creative, and a great opportunity to highlight and support an important part of the 4-H program – arts and communications programs.”

“The ultimate purpose of the 4-H arts and communications programs is to provide opportunities for young people to develop the character and life skills they will need to become successful and contributing members of society,” The Foundation stated. 

The winning pieces are for sale for a minimum $150.00 donation to the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation.

The Foundation said the Celebrate the Arts 4-H Art Contest is one way it is working to enhance support of the arts and communications programming, including an endowment which permanently provides resources for arts-related programming. Funds generated from the auction will provide resources for 4-H arts and communications programs including visual and performing arts, communications, photography, speech and drama. 

“The Wisconsin 4-H Arts and Communications programs have a rich history and an exciting future,” the Foundation stated. “4-H youth are encouraged to develop their creative, problem-solving and technical skills through their 4-H experience. Arts and communications programming is one of the largest project areas in Wisconsin 4-H. It provides unprecedented opportunities to explore and develop artistic awareness, creative potential and appreciation of art and the artistic process.”

 For more information and a full list of winners and images, visit www.wis4hfoundation.org/celebrate-the-arts/.

About the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation

The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, based in Madison, Wis., provides essential funding for 4-H programs throughout Wisconsin. By partnering with individuals, corporations and foundations, the Foundation supports various 4-H leadership, development, and community-building activities throughout the state.

Learn more about the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation at www.Wis4HFoundation.org.