After a successful launch of the Harvest of the Month educational marketing program in the fall, organizers are encouraging student artists to submit entries for the July 2020-June 2021 school calendar. The COVID-19 crisis and school closures came just as entries were beginning to be dropped off at school cafeterias. So, adjustments were made and the new deadline is April 30.
An initiative of the Farm to School program that includes the Weakley County School Nutrition Department, the Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network and Weakley Arts Can working together, the July to June calendar will feature artwork selected by a panel of judges. All students in Weakley County Schools are invited to participate.
Each artist can choose a harvest product to illustrate from one of three assigned to their grade level. Kindergarten through 2nd grade can choose between blackberry, tomato or apple; 3rd - 5th grades are assigned pumpkin, sweet potato or pecan; 6th – 8th have the choice of asparagus, strawberry or potato; and 9th -12th can select from pork, honey or herbs.
Entries will be judged on originality, technique and ability to reproduce. No words should be included in the artwork, only images. The size should not exceed 8 1/2" x 11" sketch paper. Horizontal pictures and vibrant colors are suggested.
The student's complete name, grade, teacher, school and featured item must be written on the back of the artwork.
Winning artwork will be displayed in the 2020-2021 Weakley County Schools Calendar online and used for Harvest of the Month marketing materials. The winning student artists will be recognized in the press, on the school website and via social media.
All entries must now be mailed by April 30 to Trista Snider, 8319 Highway 22, Suite A, Dresden, TN 38225.
In their April newsletter, the NWTN Local Food Network, points out that April is also Kids Garden month. They offer suggestions on getting a home garden started and ways to involve the entire family. To obtain the newsletter, visit their Facebook page.
Harvest of the Month is a program of the NWTN Local Food Network to help increase access to local foods. To learn more visit: nwtnlfn.org/hotm-calendar, email [email protected] or call (731) 281-4770.