Audrey Zhang finalist art contest
When the search engine giant, Google pays a visit to your school it is kind of a big deal. That is what happened last Wednesday morning at Michael F. Stokes Elementary School as Google representatives presented an award to fourth grader, Audrey Zhang for her artwork as part of the nationwide Doodle 4 Google competition.
Zhang’s work, entitled, ‘Will Be When I Discover Paradise’ was one of 5,000,000 submissions across the country around the theme, “My Best Day Ever.” The contest is an annual program that invites K-12 students to use their artistic talents to redesign the company’s homepage logo for millions to see.
“I wanted to draw someplace perfect,” said Zhang who has been interested in art since she was three years old. “I wanted to draw a place where there are lots of things that aren’t true and make them come true.”
Zhang’s picture, which was presented in front of all her peers in the school’s lunchroom included colorful fairies, dragons and castles with the Google logo interwoven in.
Art teacher, Tracy Kozloff, who has had Zhang as one of her students for the past three years said she knew Zhang was a special talent the moment she walked in her classroom.
“She sees things differently. She has an artistic eye,” said Kozloff. “She’s always been an exceptional student who has produced some beautiful artwork.”
Kozloff said that Zhang worked on her project for two weeks making sure that all the characters were in their appropriate places and that the word “Google” could be clearly seen.
Zhang’s artwork will be on display for the next two weeks at the school for anyone who wants to come by and see.
All of the finalists are invited to a grand finale at The Museum of Natural History where the winner will be announced on May 22. The winner of the contest will receive a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for their school as well as see their artwork appear on the Google homepage.
This year’s guest judges include Katie Couric, Brian Henson, and Chris Sanders. The voting process will take place online at: http://www.google.com/doodle4google/ to choose the winner of the nationwide contest. Voters have until Friday, May 10 to choose their favorite doodle. If you have any questions or would like to speak with a Google representative, please send an email to doodleuspress@google.com.
