A Call for 'Arts of Respect'

Drew University has invited Millburn High School students to enter original artwork in a college-level art competition. MHS is one of a select few high schools asked to participate alongside Drew University students in the contest that seeks artwork conveying a message of respect for others in a diverse world, is called “Arts of Respect.”

Millburn High School sophomore and Diversity Club officer Ryan Siegel spearheaded the introduction of  “Arts of Respect” at Millburn High School.

“This is very exciting because it’s the first time Drew University has invited Millburn High School students to compete, on a college level, in this art competition,” said Siegel. “It is a great opportunity for MHS artists, and I know that Millburn students will embrace the contest and its positive message of diversity and respect.”

Submissions will be judged on the quality of the art, as well as its message.

"There is much hatred in the world. People are looked upon as “different” because of their religion, their race, their behavior, their appearance, or…just because. Why?  I would like you to explore these issues, examine your thoughts and feelings and express them in an art form,in music, in theatre, in literature or in poetry," Dr. Paul Drucker, Arts of Respect Sponsor, is quoted on the website.

According to the Drew University website, the contest will include entries from the College of Liberal Arts, the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, and the Theological School. The competition is sponsored by 13 departments and campus organizations including Hillel; Kuumba, the African American student organization; Students for Action in Darfur; InterVarsity Christian Fellowship; and the Middle East Student Association.

MHS students should bring their artwork entries to Room 375 at MHS. The University will accept various types of submissions including painting, drawings, sculptures, poetry and creative writing, plus original music and dance performances, submitted on disc. The deadline for submissions is March 1.

A panel of MHS judges will select three submissions to compete in the finals at Drew. Finalists will compete for the prestigious Drucker Prize.

For more information, contact Ryan Siegel at MHSArtsofRespect@aol.com.