Last week, the winners and runners up of the Mayor’s annual Christmas card competition were presented with their awards by the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Mrs Diana Holl-Allen MBE.
In collaboration with Art at the Heart, a community arts group in Solihull, aimed at bringing art to the wider communities, the Mayor judged a Christmas card competition with designs by children aged 7-13.
The competition began in 2021 and has become an annual occasion for young artists to showcase their talents. Around 70 children participated in the competition, from age categories 7-9, and 10-13, with the Mayor selecting a winner and a runner-up for each one.
Winners and runners-up were invited to the Civic Suite for refreshments and a prize-giving from the Mayor. The competition was organised by Art at the Heart directors, Kamaljit Suman and Mukesh Kumar, who were in attendance to support and congratulate the children and their families.
Samyutha Yeddula, 8, won the age 7-9 category for her design of dove over a colourful background, entitled ‘The Peace Dove’. Molly Kwan Chi Yiu, 10, was the winner of the 10-13 category for her snowflake ’Christmas Peace’ design. Both winners were presented with a gift card and a signed copy of their card design.
The two talented runners-up, Sophia Huang, 8 and Eva Harries, 10, were presented with gift cards and congratulations from the Mayor for their creative work.
Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Mrs Diana Holl-Allen MBE, said of the competition,
“The standard of this year’s entries was again extremely high, making it a challenge when deciding winners and runners-up amongst the many innovative designs. The Christmas cards I viewed were all compelling and told a story which resonates with many people. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting these brilliant young people, all with their own ideas and original designs. Our competition partner, Art at the Heart, provides the opportunity for young people to showcase their abilities and stretch their creative muscles, both via this competition but also in their many borough-based activities. I wish all the children who entered the best of luck in the future, and hope they carry on excelling in the arts!”