My Favorite Way to Spend a Summer Day....

What's your favorite way to spend a summers day? This was the question posed as the theme for the annual Cooperative Living magazine youth art contest, and wow, did we get some amazing entries!

From all across Virginia, young people answered the call for contest entries. Youthful artists offered their interpretations of various summer activities from horseback riding to swimming at the beach in an explosion of colorful, creative talent. The panel of judges had its work cut out for it choosing first-, second- and third-place entries in each age category.

Brendan Gogal's art was judged best in show. He's a second-grader from Haymarket, and part of a very talented family two of his siblings also had winning entries in the blind-selection judging process. As best in show, Brendan will receive a check for $100. Other artists whose work was judged best in their age categories will receive $25 each. Winning entries are showcased on the following pages, and honorable mentions are listed as well. To all our talented youthful artists, congratulations!

Editors note: We had several excellent entries done in horizontal format that had to be eliminated. Contest specifications required entries to be in vertical format.