Elmwood Student Nevaeh Perez Crowned as Artist of the Week

Congratulations to Elmwood 3rd grader Nevaeh Perez, who was awarded Artsonia Artist of the Week for Jan. 18–24! Submitting for the Pre-K–3rd Grade category, Nevaeh is among students from all over the country to be nominated.

Artsonia is the world’s largest collection of student art, published by teachers and students across the globe. Parents and families can view the artwork online, leave comments, and order special keepsakes featuring the designs. This digital art library is an awesome place for students to have their artwork stored for the future to revisit for a portfolio or further in their educational journeys.

For Artsonia’s “Artist of the Week” contest, Nevaeh drew a wonderful picture of a Nutcracker that impressed her art teacher, Lauren Guenther, as well as her peers. Her drawing began with pencil outlines, followed by permanent markers, and was finished using markers to color the rest. This holiday project focused on proportions, as students folded their paper into three sections, with each section representing a proportionate part of the Nutcracker’s body. Students watched an instructional video with two example drawings, or they had the option to draw a Nutcracker in their own unique way.

Nevaeh received a whopping 480 votes for this piece from website visitors. As the winning school, Elmwood received a $100 gift certificate to Blick Art Materials. Nevaeh also earned a $50 certificate and a plaque for her work. She was so excited to hear that she won, stating, “I was so proud of myself!” 

The $100 gift certificate earned through Nevaeh’s win was used to purchase neon oil pastels for the art classes, giving students access to brand new materials! Nevaeh was also thrilled to receive a new sketchbook from Ms. Guenther, which she plans to use along with her gift card to purchase drawing supplies and continue creating her artwork.

A huge advocate for her students, Ms. Guenther manages individual Artsonia profiles for every student from Kindergarten through 5th Grade at Elmwood. These digital galleries help keep student work organized, build early portfolios, and give artwork meaningful exposure beyond the classroom. Additionally, each year, she selects 30 pieces of student artwork to be printed and displayed in the entryway of the school, as well as the upstairs of the Elmwood Park Public Library. We appreciate her dedication, always making sure her students’ art is valued and celebrated, including Nevaeh’s. 

Be sure to click through the slideshow below to see some of Nevaeh’s artwork created during her time at Elmwood Elementary so far! Congrats, Nevaeh!