Compassion Inspires Design Winner

Coopersville High School Senior, Krystal Wilson has the winning design for the first Walk For Warmth poster contest. Her design was amongst 27 other designs submitted. The poster will be displayed throughout the county to promote the Walk For Warmth, raising money for people who cannot heat their homes, Saturday, February 14 at City on A Hill in Zeeland.

Every poster design was juried at the Holland Area Arts Council in Holland just as other fine art is juried for art shows. The other designs will be shown in the Arts Council located at 150 E. 8th Street, downtown Holland.

"When I started doing research about the Walk For Warmth and what it's doing for people I realized how important an event it is," says Krystal. "I wanted to reach out to the most people to get them to go to the event or to donate to help people stay warm this winter."

Krystal is in a class called Senior Portfolio, taught by Lindsey Hanson. "The students in my art classes were very excited about this project. Krystal took the ball and ran with it, doing much of her design work at home in the evenings."

Carole Hulst is an art instructor at Coopersville High School, and head of the art program there. She originally accepted the request to participate in the poster contest. "The students loved the idea of doing a real-world project with requirements, and the chance to be juried in an actual art competition. It was fun and gave them a chance to stretch their abilities," says Hulst.

The Walk For Warmth, organized by the Ottawa County Community Action Agency, is an annual event that benefits everyone in Ottawa County from Holland to Conklin. The money raised goes towards families who struggle with financial independence specific to utilities issues. "As is the case with all area non-profits our funds are low and we're looking for new ways to reach out to our communities. The poster contest raises awareness within the county and gives artists a chance to show their stuff," says Mike Stock, Marketing Specialist for Community Action Agency. "Krystal's design is really great. We will definitely do this again next year."

Asked about her plans for the future, Senior Krystal Wilson wants to give back to her community and to "go to college and become a teacher. Hopefully an art teacher." Krystal’s poster will be sent to press and distributed throughout the county promoting the Walk For Warmth.

The Walk For Warmth will be held on Saturday, February 14 at 8:30 am at City On A Hill, 100 Pine Street in Zeeland. The Walk For Warmth raises money that goes dollar-for-dollar into the homes of Ottawa County families needing assistance heating their homes.

(http://spotted.myzeeland.com/photos/index.php?id=189503&size=large) Winning Design
(http://spotted.myzeeland.com/photos/index.php?id=189523&size=large) Left to Right, Lindsey Hanson, Krystal Wilson, Carole Hulst.