By Marisa Dawson, graphic courtesy of Bennington Public Library

The Bennington Public Library is teaming up with the Bennington Woman’s Club to host its annual Student Art Contest, inviting young artists from across the community to showcase their creativity.

The contest is open to students in grades K-12 who live in the Bennington area. Registrations are being accepted through February 28, with details and the sign-up form available on the library’s website at https://benningtonlibrary.org/student-art-contest/.

Natalie Hartley from the Bennington Public Library highlighted the value of the collaboration. “Partnering with the Woman’s Club for this art contest is a meaningful way for us to live out the library’s mission of strengthening community,” she said. “Collaborating with a respected organization like the Bennington Woman’s Club allows us to expand that impact. By working together, we’re able to celebrate local talent, bring generations together, and this contest is a great example of what can happen when local organizations work side by side.”

All submitted artwork will go on display at the library from mid-March through April, giving the community a chance to view and celebrate the pieces. Selected works will represent Bennington at the Nebraska Federation of Women’s Clubs (NFWC) District II Art Show on March 21 at Cornerstone Christian School in Bellevue.

Hartley expressed excitement about the incoming entries. “We’re really looking forward to seeing the creativity and variety that comes in,” she said. “It’s always so fun to see how students of all ages express themselves, and it’s especially meaningful to see our library filled with artwork created by members of our own community!”

Connie Wickham of the Bennington Woman’s Club emphasized the club’s ongoing commitment to the initiative. “One of the BWC’s many missions is to support our local library and their projects,” she said. “We absolutely love to see the entries start coming in and over the past couple of years the participation levels have really grown!”

Wickham also encouraged broader involvement. “We would love to see community members continue to support this contest and have our adult participation numbers grow as well,” she added. “No one is ever too old for the arts!!”

The library invites the community to show support in multiple ways. Hartley explained, “There are several ways the community can show support! First, we encourage student artists grades K-12 to submit their work and be a part of the experience. We are taking registrations for the contest through February 28 – sign up on our website! Community members can also come into the library and see the art displayed from mid-March through April. Bringing friends and family, sharing the event, and celebrating our local student artists all help make this endeavor a success and strengthen the sense of Bennington community we’re proud of.”

Participants whose work is selected for the district show will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Hobby Lobby gift card and may advance to the NFWC State Art Show in Lincoln.

For more information, registration, and full contest details, visit https://benningtonlibrary.org/student-art-contest/.