Cracking Christmas Card Competition
The winning Christmas card by Beth Hamten, aged 5
When Bishop Philip put a call out to schools across Cornwall for children to design a Christmas card, he had little idea how enthusiastic the response would be. Over six hundred cards arrived from primary schools from across Cornwall!
They ranged from the very well executed Christmas cards showing traditional nativity scenes using a Pointillism technique, to brightly coloured pictures of the Bishop himself!
Creativity, energy and a lot of fun
Local artist Caroline Marwood
“I’m amazed at the quality of the entries,” said Caroline Marwood, local artist, who helped Bishop Philip with the judging. “So many have put so much creative thought and energy into their entries, and so many have such a great sense of humour!”
One Christmas card showed a fantastic drawing of a duck that really wanted to be a robin, wearing a robin suit!
“So many have put so much creative thought and energy into their entries, and so many have such a great sense of humour!” said local artist Caroline Marwood
The Christmas Card winner
The standard was very high and the choice almost impossible, but Bishop Philip and Caroline agreed on a clear winner. It was by Beth Hamten, aged 5, from Bishop Bronescombe C of E School. Beth created a beautiful image of baby Jesus in a manger nestling beneath a golden star.
When the Bishop went to Beth’s school to present her with her certificate, she was asked what inspired her to make her Christmas card. Beth didn’t hesitate for a moment, “Because Jesus is the light of the world,” and looked almost puzzled at the question because the answer, for her, seemed so obvious!
Bishop Philip explained that, although so many were so good, Beth’s stood out because it was so simple, clear and beautifully done.
“The design is simple but very effective,” said Bishop Philip. “The colours are bright, the message clear and the design well-positioned on the card.”
It was lovely to see how Beth’s classmates congratulated and hugged her. They were all genuinely chuffed that Beth had won the prize. Bishop Bronsecombe C of E School was also awarded with an Amazon voucher.
Beth Hamten, winner
“Because Jesus is the light of the world,” said Beth when asked why she created an image of baby Jesus in a manger with a shining bright star above.
Leyla’s card
The Bishop and Caroline had a very tough job, as so many of the entries were so thoughtfully done and with so much care. They managed to choose a close second by Leyla Caterer of Sir Robert Jeffery’s School and select an additional ten under the category of Artist’s Choice. They were all sent a certificate signed by the Bishop and Caroline.
The inspiration of Christmas and our reputation of a community of artists
From the very young to children higher up in primary school, the theme of Christmas inspired and created some beautiful designs. There were some very carefully drawn Christmas scenes and imaginatively coloured creations.
A big thank you to every child that took the time to create an entry and to all the schools that worked with their pupils to bring about such a fantastic response. Cornwall is certainly living up to its reputation of being a thriving community of artists!
A big thank you to every child that took the time to create an entry and to all the schools that worked with their pupils to bring about such a fantastic response.
Winner Beth with Bishop Philip and Headteacher Mrs Carmichael
