Ghostly Graveyard, our third art theme, was not without challenge.

In the two previous themes, art participants received a theme prompt, primary instruction and multiple subset instructions to fulfill. 

For Ghostly Graveyard, the one and only requirement was to re-imagine an existing character as deceased. Our realization that consideration of each entry would be out-of-the-box was rapid.

We thoughtfully examined all entries, looking for ways in which the uniqueness of each one stood out from others. It was intriguing to see that several entries, whether by intention or by chance, seemed to craft a visual story-telling. There was no need for a written explanation as the story told itself through the careful use of pose, color and/or constructed emotion within and around the subject. Similarly, another curious phenomenon observable to us was the interpretation of prompt creatively translated into art. A few entries easily surface to mind, while reflecting on the ways in which the artist’s inspiration from theme prompt to artwork seamlessly wove together. Those entries seemed to effortlessly capture a logical transition from passing to the cycle of life after death, or, in some scenarios, the cycle of life alongside death. Overall, it was impressive to witness how imaginatively an existing work transformed into a fresh new perspective. 

However, since Ghostly Graveyard received a record of 17 entries, it proved difficult to narrow down to the final three. We shifted toward acknowledging the technical aspect of each artwork. A few times evidence of artistic inconsistency became present when we compared prompt versus artistic creation. Or even when we studied the construction, balance and placement of each image. It was always initially felt rather than seen–a first impression that something was “off.” Regardless, let it be known that the visible inconsistencies never overtook the overall effort put into the piece.

A conclusion was made after the addition of a second set of judging criteria was established. The additional criteria were necessary after we saw that between five to seven entries were overlapping within a hair’s length in the previous final score. As we imagine the possibility of receiving an increasing number of entries for future themes, the decision is that the secondary judging categories are permanent. We want to highlight that our participants did a remarkable job. Not everyone could place, but many more were deserving of a spot.