Owen Callahan, a sixth-grade student at Old Hammondtown School, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club.
Callahan’s poster was among more than 450,000 entries submitted worldwide in the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the program to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.
The 13-year-old Mattapoisett artist’s poster “Painting the World with Peace,” was selected by Helene Rose, Lauren Rosa and Cindy Turse for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Journey for Peace”. The judging was held on Friday, October 25 at Old Hammondtown School.
Mattapoisett Lions Club President Mario Conde said he was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Old Hammondtown School. “It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions.”
“Callahan’s poster will advance through the district, multiple district and international levels of competition if he is to be declared the international grand prize winner,” Conde said.