JLA’s first-ever sidewalk chalk art competition took place on Tuesday, November 11th. This art competition enabled students to showcase their talents and ideas, and gave them the opportunity to express their interpretations of our school’s values. These values included Judaism, Zionism, leadership, education, service, and kindness. Ten teams of artists were challenged to combine the values into their art through visual means. 

Morah Daphna helped put together and bring this event to life. When asked about her inspiration to put together this event, she said she was inspired by “artists who make 3-D art on the sidewalks” and went on to say, “I have seen pieces of art that make it look like there is a hole in the ground, and I always thought that takes so much talent!” Lastly, “the prospect of being outside and getting to hang out in the courtyard with music and friends!” was also a big motivation to make this event. 

That was what most of the students also liked best. Tenth grader, Abby Warshofsky, commented, “It was so much fun! I hope we get to do more things like this in the future.” 

Morah Daphna said she hopes to continue this event next year and to make more improvements to the competition, such as making the boxes for students to draw in larger.

The winners were judged on how well they worked together, how creatively they used their materials, and the way they mixed JLA values into their pieces. The winners and runner-ups were given POSCA paint pens.

The winning team was two eleventh graders, Amorayah and Shaina. When asked about their ideas, Amorayah explained, “The idea for it was to do a Magen David with vines entwined around it, and the red anemone as they are Israel’s national flower.” There was also the quote from the Hatikva, “Nefesh Yehudi,” along the side of the Magen David. They decided that this would be a great image to showcase their pride in being Zionists.

Overall, this event was really enjoyable, creating memories and helping students bond through a fun and easy activity.