By Mark Ambrogi
For Jennifer Nelson Williams, the A.R.N. Funeral and Cremation Services Memorial Day Art Contest gives her business a chance to celebrate veterans and the art talent of Zionsville middle school students.
A.R.N., which stands for Aaron Ruben Nelson, will present the fourth annual Memorial Day Art Contest along with a community program at 7 p.m. May 26 at A.R.N., 1411 N. Michigan Rd., Zionsville.
The artwork, which revolves around the theme of Memorial Day, will be on display through June 30. The work is from students at Zionsville and Zionsville West middle schools.
“Some of the art teachers have formed curriculum around Memorial Day,” said Williams, president of A.R.N. and daughter of CEO Max Nelson. “Some of them do it as an outside project. The art can be in any medium and (the students) can form partnerships and produce the art together.”
The contest pays $250 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. The artist must be present to win. If the artist is not present, no award will be given.
Williams said typically they receive approximately 100 submissions.
“Since we’re not art critics, the art is judged by MyArt instructors in Zionsville,” Williams said.
The ceremony includes American Legion members.
“Sometimes we have people from the Wounded Warriors,” Williams said. “The last couple of years the commander from the American Legion post has spoken about the significance of being a veteran and Memorial Day. We do a flag folding ceremony. It’s a beautiful ceremony.”
The awards presentation follows. There are refreshments and giveaways.
“Last year we gave the kids a little grab bag to take home,” Williams said. “It’s really been a nice event.”
