The Black and White

by Sophie Henner

Every year the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center in Providence hosts an Annual Art and Writing Contest. During World War II, millions of Jewish artists and authors were subjected to the cruelty and dehumanization of the Nazis. Millions were killed or placed in concentration camps, leaving their art vulnerable to being destroyed or looted. The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center aims to honor these lost artists and their pieces of work by organizing the Art & Writing Contest. Students are encouraged to submit a piece of their original artwork, a poem, or an essay that reflects the themes or messages inspired by the Holocaust.

The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center educates and connects with over 2,000 Rhode Island high schoolers every year, however, this year four students from Pilgrim High School were awarded as the winners of this contest. The theme of the competition this year was “What’s in a Name?” Every work that was submitted by these students reflected or discussed this topic through their own point of view. Kaitlyn Limoges submitted an essay discussing the significance of Anne Frank’s diary and the power her name carries throughout history. In her poem titled “Silent Pages”, Jules Velazquez also aimed to honor the hope and resilience that Anne Frank embodied. She contrasted the quiet life that Anne had, hiding from the Nazis, with how her words still impact people today. Carmella Mae Pega is another student that submitted a poem to the contest. In her piece “Behind Each Night Lies a Secret”, inspired by the book “Night” by Elie Wiesel, she narrates the perspective of someone experiencing the Holocaust and the gradual loss of their innocence. Finally, Sean Skinnard submitted his own piece of artwork to the Art & Writing Contest. In his illustration, Sean depicts the outline of a Jewish person, with words pertaining to their culture inside. His piece represents the different traditions that symbolize what it means to be Jewish. He also emphasizes the point that Jewish culture cannot be killed.

The Art & Writing contest hosted by the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center is an important event that encourages students to remember and honor Jewish history. The students that participated in the contest took the time to create pieces that celebrate art during the Holocaust.

Congratulations to our very own Pilgrim High Schoolers who won!