Young artist draws up winning contest entry

Local youngster wins international art contest sponsored by Prix Jeunesse International, an organization that "recognizes and promotes the world's best educational children's programming."

Ja'Nae Roberts, a first-grader from Eldorado grade school, was selected out of more than 150 local entrants, with winners selected in three age categories. Ja'Nae's prize, presented by WSIU, included an art toolset and drawing paper.

"They came in my classroom and everyone had to do a great job," Ja'Nae said. "It was fun."

Ja'Nae's artwork was sent to Munich, Germany, to be presented alongside art from all over the world in an exhibit at Prix Jeunesse International, a festival celebrating the best children's media worldwide. The festival will be held in Munich in May. An international jury will select 12 winners whose art will be produced as posters, and three grand prize winners who will receive trophies.

"I like to draw," Ja'Nae said. "I want to be an artist when I grow up."

Ja'Nae, who just celebrated her birthday a few weeks ago, shared that she received art supplies as a birthday gift.

"Art is something when you color and it's real fun, and sometimes you wanna be an artist," Ja'Nae said.

WSIU is grateful to the instructors and program leaders who supported this art contest in Southern Illinois, including Kristi Smith, Eldorado Elementary School.