Unadilla Valley tenth-grader Madison Parker created the winning design for the "Keep it Kind" art contest held by Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival organizers and Golden Artist Colors. Parker's artwork now adorns a billboard on Route 12 to promote the 28th annual Colorscape Arts Festival. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival organizers and Golden Artist Colors invited Chenango County high school-aged students to enter the “Keep it Kind” art contest, with the winner’s artwork adorning a billboard on Route 12 to promote the 28th Colorscape this September.

The winning design for the billboard was by Madison “Maddy” Parker, a tenth grader at Unadilla Valley High School, and is now displayed along Route 12 just north of the City of Norwich.

Parker created the image to fit the theme, Keep it Kind. Her work was chosen from among 54 submissions from Chenango County high school students.

She said, “I am honored to be able to have my artwork up on the billboard, and I hope kindness can make people feel magical. Thank you for this honor.”

Finalists from the challenge also included Sakeena Meghani, Bainbridge; Ashlee Frayer, Norwich; Emilee Thompson, New Berlin; Kailee Figger, New Berlin; and Haylee Canfield, Columbus.

Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival is recognized as one of the top 100 classic and contemporary craft shows in the county by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Colorscape Chenango has been celebrating premier artists in downtown Norwich since 1995.

The free, two-day festival in September features over 100 creators displaying and selling their paintings, sculptures, fabric art fine crafts, photography, and more. Colorscape also offers nationally renowned musical performers, poetry and literary arts, food, and interactive art activities for all ages. The 2022 Colorscape will be held rain or shine, September 10 and 11 in East and West Parks in Norwich.

The Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival is made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by The Earlville Opera House.

– Information from The Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival