Memorial Day Poster Contest: Celebrating Hawaiian Keiki Artistic Talent Through Lei-Making

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 25, 2025

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The Theme: Honoring Memorial Day Through Lei

Memorial Day is a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering and honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the United States military. It's a day of remembrance, reflection, and respect for their ultimate sacrifice. This Memorial Day poster contest connects this profound sentiment with the rich cultural tradition of lei-making in Hawaii.

Leis, in Hawaiian culture, are much more than just beautiful adornments; they are powerful symbols of honor, respect, love, and aloha. The intricate process of creating a lei, the careful selection of flowers, and the presentation itself, all hold deep meaning. These handcrafted expressions of affection perfectly embody the spirit of remembrance and gratitude we feel on Memorial Day.

• Vibrant Colors of Remembrance: The bright, cheerful colors of the flowers used in lei-making – from the deep reds of hibiscus to the delicate pinks of plumeria – mirror the vibrant spirit of those we honor and celebrate. The beauty of the lei symbolizes the enduring legacy of our fallen heroes.
• Floral Symbolism: Different flowers carry distinct symbolic meanings in Hawaiian culture. Incorporating flowers with meanings associated with remembrance, peace, or love into the lei designs will further enhance the poster's connection to Memorial Day. Researching the symbolism of various Hawaiian flowers can add a layer of depth and meaning to the artwork.
• Patriotic Palette: Consider incorporating the patriotic colors of red, white, and blue into the lei designs. This addition can create a striking visual connection between the Hawaiian tradition of lei-making and the American spirit of Memorial Day.

Contest Guidelines and Eligibility

This Memorial Day Poster Contest is open to all Hawaiian keiki aged 5-12. Let their creativity shine!

Poster Submission Requirements:

• Posters should be created on standard-sized poster board (22" x 28" is recommended).
• Participants can use a variety of art materials, including crayons, markers, paints, colored pencils, and collage elements. Let those creative juices flow!
• All artwork must be original and created by the participating child.

Submission Process:

Posters can be submitted online via [link to online submission portal] or in-person at [location details and drop-off times]. High-resolution digital images are accepted for online submissions.

• Deadline: All submissions must be received by [date].
• Prizes: Winners will receive [list prizes, e.g., gift certificates, art supplies, recognition at a community event].
• Contact: For any questions or inquiries, please contact us at [email address] or [phone number].

Judging Criteria and Selection Process

A panel of esteemed judges, including local artists, community members, and representatives from [mention relevant organizations], will evaluate all submissions.

The judging criteria will focus on:

• Creativity and Originality: How innovative and unique is the poster design? Does it showcase a fresh perspective on the theme?

• Artistic Skill: What is the level of craftsmanship demonstrated in the artwork? Is the execution of the chosen art medium proficient?

• Theme Relevance: How effectively does the poster incorporate the theme of honoring Memorial Day through lei-making? Does it clearly communicate the message of remembrance and respect?

• Number of Winners: [Number] winners will be selected across different age groups.

• Judging Transparency: The judging process will be transparent and fair, with scores being tallied and reviewed by the organizing committee.

• Winner Notification: Winners will be notified via email and/or phone by [date].

Promoting the Contest and Engaging the Community

Promoting this exciting Memorial Day art contest requires a multi-faceted approach to reach a wide audience.

• Social Media Blitz: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share visually appealing posts and updates. Employ relevant hashtags like #MemorialDayPosterContest #HawaiianKeikiArt #LeiMaking #HawaiiArtContest.

• Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local schools, community centers, and Hawaiian cultural organizations to distribute flyers and announce the contest.

• Local Media Outreach: Contact local newspapers, radio stations, and television channels to publicize the event and generate excitement.

• Hashtag Campaign: Encourage participants to use a unique contest hashtag on social media for increased visibility and engagement.

• School Involvement: Partner with local schools to promote the contest among students and their families.

• Sponsorship Opportunities: Seek sponsorships from local businesses to help fund prizes and promotional materials.

Conclusion

This Memorial Day Poster Contest offers a unique opportunity to honor fallen heroes while showcasing the incredible artistic talent of Hawaii's keiki through the beautiful tradition of lei-making. The contest aims to foster creativity, community engagement, and a deeper appreciation for Hawaiian culture and Memorial Day's significance. It's a chance to celebrate the vibrant spirit of aloha while remembering the sacrifices made for our freedom.

Call to Action: Participate in the Memorial Day Poster Contest and help celebrate the vibrant creativity of Hawaiian keiki! Unleash your child's artistic talent and honor Memorial Day through the beauty of lei-making. Submit your child's artwork today! Learn more and register at [link to registration page]. Let's make this Memorial Day a celebration of art, remembrance, and Hawaiian culture!