LOS ALTOS, CA (August 16, 2022) – In the face of hate and bias, the County of Santa Clara’s Division of Equity and Social Justice, Omniware Networks, and the World Association of Young Artists organized a youth art contest with the theme “Peace, Love, Unity.” Winning entries of this Countywide Children’s Art Contest are on display at Los Altos History Museum in the J. Gilbert Smith House gallery September 1 – October 30, 2022, and online through the Museum’s website.
In addition to raising the awareness of students about the value of love over hate, the contest encourages students to use artwork to express their feelings against hate crimes and spread the message of love in our communities. The project was funded by a mini-grant from the Division of Equity and Social Justice to fight hate and promote tolerance.
“The themes of peace, love, and unity are vitally important to the mission of the Los Altos History Museum,” said Collections Specialist Jordan Grealish. “Through our exhibits, we strive to highlight the ways we relate to each other within our community, and how we can best show our love and compassion while celebrating our diversity.”
All artwork are original designs on paper or canvas, created with colored pencils, markers, crayons, paint, or cutout pictures, rather than through the medium of digital art. The contest was open to youth ages 5 – 17, and artwork was judged on theme and artistry, including how well it stimulates sympathy, resonance, and/or emotion in the viewer. Prizes were awarded to the winning artists in ceremony earlier this year.
“The museum is so honored to house this art, which gives some of our youngest community members a way to express what these themes mean to them during a time when so many outside forces threaten to divide us,” Grealish said.
The J. Gilbert Smith House is open Thursday – Sunday, noon – 4pm. Docents are available to lead tours of the historic home, and the Museum’s Store is open on the first floor. Additional submissions by the youth artists may be viewed on the Museum’s website at losaltoshistory.org/StudentArtContest at exhibit opening.
Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the J. Gilbert Smith House historic farmhouse, built in 1905. In 2001, the Los Altos History Museum opened its modern building next door, which houses the Museum’s collections, permanent and changing exhibits, store and administrative offices. The Museum and its grounds are available for rent during evenings and weekends. Its collections are owned by the City of Los Altos and are managed by an independent nonprofit organization, whose staff and volunteers are responsible for all programs and operations.
The Museum is open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4pm. Admission is free. Tours of the J. Gilbert Smith House are available during open hours. The outdoor agricultural exhibit, gardens and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For more information, visit: losaltoshistory.org, email hello@losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14.
Media Contact: Marketing@losaltoshistory.org
Los Altos History Museum: Elisabeth I. Ward, 650.948.9427 x10, eward@losaltoshistory.org
