Got Crayons, Kenosha? Grown-Ups Color; Kids Judge In This Contest

Kenosha, WI (August 5, 2010) - Crayons are flying off the shelves as parents check off their children’s school supply list this month. But in the Kenosha Area, kids aren’t the only ones coloring. Their grandparents are as well! In a clever and colorful way to celebrate the art and life of Kenosha’s own Nan Pollard, the Pollard Gallery is presenting a coloring contest for grown-ups: Got Crayons, Kenosha?

Upon marrying in 1947, artists Nan and George Pollard chose to make their home in Kenosha, Wisconsin, because the city was halfway between Milwaukee and Chicago, both good art markets. George went on to become an internationally-known portrait artist and sports illustrator. Meanwhile, Nan worked for over a dozen publishers as an illustrator of the most memorable coloring books in western culture, including Captain Kangaroo and Curious George. Pollard Gallery, inside the historic Rhode Center for the Arts, is named after George (who passed away in 2008) and the now-retired Nan, who often visits the gallery.

The coloring contest, which runs August 15th through September 30th, is open to adults age 50 or better. The idea came from a brainstorming session and local artist Susan Larkin, who believes in coloring for all ages, according to Judy Rossow, gallery manager. It’s a “great way to honor Nan,” Rossow states.  The judging takes place on October 9th, which will be proclaimed Nan Pollard Day in the City of Kenosha.

Through the end of September, an entry form and a Nan Pollard illustrated coloring book may be obtained from the Pollard Gallery. The entry fee is $10.  Youth from Kenosha's elementary schools will judge the entries at the gallery and the winners will be announced as part of Second Saturday activities, on October 9th. The winning photos will be displayed at Pollard Gallery.

Pollard Gallery “wishes to remind grownups that coloring pages offer a canvas for anyone, regardless of artistic abilities, to play and relax”. No child-assisted entries are permitted and the contest benefits the Rhode Center for the Arts Restoration Project. The gallery, located at 518 – 56th Street, is open Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, call (262) 818-8398 or (262) 654-9030 or visit the Got Crayons, Kenosha? page on Facebook.

For more information about the Kenosha Area, including event information and a Kenosha Area Visitors Guide, log on to www.kenoshacvb.com or call the Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (262) 654-7307 or (800) 654-7309. Visitor information is also available by visiting a Kenosha Area Visitor Information Center. The I-94 location is at I-94 & Hwy. 165 East Exit 347, while the Downtown Kenosha location is at 812 - 56th St.

#####