Winners of 2018 National Arts Program announced

Founded in 1982, the National Arts Program encourages the creative talent of government employees to come forth and be recognized by the public.

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture today announced the winners of the second annual National Arts Program Awards for City of Boston employees and their families.

“The National Arts Program is a great way to recognize City of Boston employees and their dedication to improving the City through their work, as well as their creativity,” said Mayor Walsh. “I enjoyed seeing the artwork displayed throughout City Hall, and I look forward to having it on display for the next few weeks.”

Founded in 1982, the National Arts Program encourages the creative talent of government employees to come forth and be recognized by the public. As part of this program, City of Boston employees and immediate family members were invited to display their art at Boston City Hall.

The exhibition is on display through December 7, 2018, in spaces throughout City Hall, including the the 2nd Floor Mayor’s Neighborhood Gallery, the 3rd Floor Scollay Square Gallery, and the 5th Floor Mayor’s Gallery.

There are currently over 100 works of art showcasing the talent of employees who work for the City of Boston including the Boston Fire Department, the Boston Police Department, Boston Public Schools and many other public agencies. On display are sculptures, paintings and photographs.

A reception and awards ceremony was held Friday at Boston City Hall. There were several categories of awards, including Adult Amateurs, Adult Intermediates, Adult Professionals, Teens 13-18, Youth 12 and Under, Art Education, and Best of Show. A total of $3,250 in cash prizes was awarded to participants.

The jurors for the National Arts Program Awards, Sean Cummings, Yelena Synkova, and Sam Belisle, were winners of the Fay Chandler Emerging Artist Awards earlier this fall.

The jurors awarded the Best of Show prize to Hala Ashour, a Boston Public Schools employee. Other award winners included:

Adult Professional Category

First Place: Aneeka Cheema, Department of Neighborhood Development
Second Place: Cheryl Robinson, SPARK Boston
Third Place: Chris Plunkett, Boston Police Department

Adult Intermediate Category

First Place: Lenira Des Reis, Environment Department
Second Place: Sally Wattles, Budget Office
Third Place: Ziping Wu, Boston Public Schools

Adult Amateur Category

First Place: Jaqueline Perry, Boston Public Schools
Second Place: James Tran, Boston Public Library
Third Place: Sara Plowman, Boston Police Department

Youth Category

First Place: Noah Beyer
Second Place: Kamilla Martinez
Third Place: Rosy Landrum

Teen Category

First Place: Julian Martinez
Second Place: Hannah Wilcox
Third Place: Caroline Holloway

Art Education Award: Darryl Richards

National Arts Program Best in Show winner Hala Ashour with Chief of Arts and Culture Kara Elliott-Ortega and Mayor Walsh.

“The National Arts Program has given us the opportunity to shine a light on those whose creativity and artistic talent often goes unnoticed,” said Kara Elliott-Ortega. “By encouraging City of Boston employees to share their art, we’re expanding creative thinking into every single department in the City.”

You can learn more about the City Hall galleries on Boston.gov.