Art is one of the great unifiers of communities and creativity. With that in mind, when our new CEO, Peter Shaper, sought artwork for the corporate office space, the PosiGen team felt it was a great opportunity to engage the area's young artisans. We launched the Solar Energy Art Competition on World Art Day, April 15, 2024! We invited all New Orleans Metro Area high school students to enter and let their art shine. The theme for the competition was ‘Radiant Perspectives: Illuminating Solar Energy,’ and the students were excited to share their artwork. We asked students and contestants to create artwork highlighting the positive impact of solar panels on saving money, fostering environmental sustainability, or contributing to the betterment of the community. Not only did the competition inspire young artists, but it also promoted the benefits of solar energy. All high school students were eligible to enter in three categories: Digital & Graphic Design, Paintings & Drawings, and Photography.
Students from over a dozen metro area high schools submitted unique artwork with their awe-inspiring descriptions and motivations for their pieces. With more than $2,400 in cash prizes up for grabs, contestants were excited to enter in the three categories: Paintings & Drawings, Photography, and Digital & Graphic Design.
Illuminated Imaginations
Six finalists were chosen from the public voting for each category. After the public voting period, PosiGen’s executive leadership was excited to act as a panel of judges to select three winners in each of the categories. Winners were revealed on June 2, 2024 and notified via email:
The winners in the Digital & Graphic Design category were:
Jaida R. from West. St. John High School (First Prize)
Atlantis R. from New Orleans Math and Science Charter School (Second Prize)
Elinor R. from Benjamin Franklin High School (Third Prize)
The honorable mentions were Cam’ron C. from Young Audiences Charter High School and Camren B. from Young Audiences Charter High School.
The winners in the Paintings & Drawings were:
Tatum S. from Haynes Academy (First Prize)
Kennedy B. from New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy (Second Prize)
Alexis S. from JCFA East (Third Prize)
The honorable mentions were Elinor R. from Benjamin Franklin High School and Charity D. from Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy.
The winners in the Photography category were:
Amarie A. from Young Audiences Charter High School (First Prize)
Jayson G. from Young Audiences Charter High School (Second Prize)
Jaden Romel Alexander F. from Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy (Third Prize)
The honorable mentions were Elinor R. from Benjamin Franklin High School and Kevin A. from Young Audiences Charter High School.
To view all of the student's artwork, visit here!
A Gala to Remember
To celebrate these young artists further, we rolled out the red carpet. We held the Solar Art Contest Awards Gala on June 28, 2024 at The Algiers Auditorium to honor them for their contributions. We asked the students to show off their best summer style and wear their favorite sneakers, and they came dressed to impress!
The PosiGen team and community leaders greeted students and their supporters with a true New Orleans celebration of them and their artwork. Each table had large, beautiful vases with purple, green, and gold feathers and green and gold napkins. Guests were encouraged to enjoy the food, such as assorted sandwiches, fried chicken, prime roast, stuffed eggs, and more. There was also a special solar-themed drink, Solar Energy, that added a fun twist to the refreshments.
Jhané Wilcox, the Senior Director of Content and Creative at PosiGen, started off the night by thanking the students for their hard work, their guardians and the schools for their support, and the importance of solar energy. Next, our company leaders presented the awards to the winners and honorable mentions. John Ross, General Manager of Growth & Strategy, presented the Digital & Graphic Design category. Steven Burt, Chief Public Policy & Engagement Officer, presented the Paintings & Drawings category. The founder of PosiGen, Tom Neyhart, presented the Photography category.
Gina Swanson, a well-known media personality, was the MC for the evening. She brought her warmth and enthusiasm to the event as she presented these young artists with a proclamation from the state of Louisiana. Each student was awarded this proclamation, which acknowledged them for their hard work and contributions.
KLevy, the keynote speaker and founder of LegendsFEST, delivered a motivational and inspiring speech. He urged all of the young artists to keep pursuing their dreams. He reminded them that their art can make a difference in the world. His hopeful speech was followed by a special rap performance that had the crowd clapping along.
The entertainment for the night was provided by DJ Polo 504 and the talented singer, Chiara Nicole. She brought the energy by encouraging everyone to dance and sing along with her. Chiara Nicole kept the party moving with her sincerity and passion for music. Also, DJ Polo 504 made sure to keep everyone dancing by playing songs that everyone can groove to.
