THEY say an elephant never forgets – but St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen student Patricia Sheeran will always remember her victory in the inaugural Where there’s a Will (WTAW) Art Prize, featuring two of the endearing mammals.
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The 16-year-old’s winning work, Love, certainly resonated with the judging panel and WTAW founder Pauline Carrigan.
And, it allowed her to claim top spot from runner-up Cordelia Prangley (St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen) and third placegetter Clare Price (Scone Grammar School).
“We were very happy with the amount of entries,” Mrs Carrigan said.
“It was a good indication that local children understand and are adopting the strength-based language we’re using at WTAW.
“The works were adjudicated on their messages, as well as merit.
“In regards to Patricia’s offering, the judges identified what the subject was just by looking at it.
“They knew it was reflective of love.
“So, Patricia was a very worthy winner.
“We’d like to thank all the students, who entered the competition – we’ve enjoyed every single work.”
Mrs Carrigan admitted the Where there’s a Will Art Prize would return in 2019.
“We’re definitely doing it again,” she said.
“However, the schools will be more hands-on next year; and begin the process earlier.
“I’m hoping we can run it in the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre about October.”
As for the teenage artist herself, it took her a little while to find the right idea.
“There was a lot of trial and error and then I found a picture on Instagram of a mother and baby elephant,” Patricia said.
“I thought what a good way to convey the message of love, because that’s the first way we to learn how to love – through our mums.
“I showed my mother what I was doing and she asked me whether I was going to proceed with this.
“I told her I was, because she was the first one who taught me how to love.
“I wanted to convey the message that a mother’s love is the greatest love you could ever imagine.
“My mother had the confidence I could win, because that’s what mothers do – she believed in me.”
Through the Visible Wellbeing program that Where there’s a Will is helping roll out in schools throughout the Upper Hunter, it’s no surprise that Patricia discovered her greatest character strength to be “love”, followed by “humility” and “humour”.
“After doing the survey I was surprised how well my character strengths represented me as a person and all my friends agreed that they were right,” she said.
“Now that I know these are my greatest strengths, I’ve learnt to look at negatives in a more positive way.
“I’ve become more open-minded.
“I used to be doubtful about things, but knowing my strengths encouraged me to enter this competition.”
