History of the Contests

​By Grace, Art Connected Group launched its 1st Youth Spring/Summer Art Contest in 2009.  In 2014, it was renamed the Youth Spring/Summer Art/Essay Contest and in 2019 renamed the Spring/Summer Art/Essay Contest making it available to Adults for the 1st time, and the 1st Annual Christmas Art/Essay Contest was birthed.  By Grace, in 2020 the traditional 'Best in Show' category was renamed 'Mary's Best in Show' in honor of Mary Walker our late Mother, Grandmother, and SisterFriend to all who knew her.  After she went home to be with the Lord, I shared with a Friend how my Mother, before her eyesight failed, and the late Sis Debbie would Judge the 'Best in Show' category.  And I'll never forget her response - she said "can you ever imagine the beautiful artwork and glory they are now seeing in heaven" - WOW - As my Dad would say - "That's what it's ALL about." Just grateful and give glory and honor to the Lord.  By Grace, in 2025 we added an additional 'Mary's Best in Show' Award for the Senior age Group category. Thanking God for all the donations to cover the Award categories year after year. Especially grateful and thanking God for a Friend whose donations allow funding for the Christmas Art Contest and helping to finance the Promoting Joy 24/7 Scholarship Fund. 
Jesus is the Reason for ALL Seasons