Annual Halloween art contests celebrates all things autum

‘Tis the season to spook up the storefronts.

Hundreds of pint-sized Picassos took to the streets of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and beyond on Tuesday, October 28 to paint the town any color they wanted at the 62nd Annual Fall Window Painting and Poster Contest, sponsored year after year by the Bay Ridge Community Council.

“It’s always bigger and better than before,” said Maria Makrinos, chairperson of the neighborhood-wide work of art that, once again, saw over 30 public, private and parochial schools participate. “It’s always so exciting.”

For teachers like Elyssa Shafran of Bay Ridge Prep, events like these are all about boosting her students’ confidence and honing their craft at the same time.

“I think it’s just so great for the kids,” said the local art teacher of her second window painting contest. This year, Shafran’s students used the all-glass windows of The Home Reporter’s office as their canvas. “It’s nice for them to have their artwork on display for all to see for such a long time; it’s really a boost of confidence.”

The theme this year may have been fall but the portraits weren’t limited to foliage.

Shafran’s students Anthony and Lucy – a student new to the New York area – painted a spooky forest scene, while 12th grader Rose Emma painted “Twister of Fall” – a tornado-ey scene complete with a swept-up house, black cat and Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Meanwhile, artists Tia, Alexandra and Melina took a traditional take on a classic Halloween owl.

“I figured that owls were somewhat of a symbol of Halloween,” explained Tia, the 10th grader behind the painting’s design, “so I wanted to incorporate fall by putting a branch as the beak and adding leaves.”

Her friends, Alexandra and Melina – also grade 10 – helped bring her sketch to life.

“It was my first time and it was really cool,” said Alexandra as her friend Melina, also a first time window painter, nodded her head in agreement. “I would love to do it again next year.”

All artists will be awarded for their enthusiasm, creativity and handiwork at the annual grand awards ceremony, to be held on Tuesday, November 25 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Fort Hamilton High School. Winners will also be chosen.

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Arthur de Gaeta

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BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photos by Arthur de Gaeta

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