ART'S CONSOLATIONS

FALL 2020

SOMETIMES, IN THE MIDST OF STRESS AND DESPAIR, we need to be reminded of the blessings that surround us. The beauty of art can be a powerful antidote to anxiety and hopelessness.

Artists, in the words of Pope Francis, “are called to shine beauty, especially where darkness or gray dominates.” They are “custodians of beauty, heralds and witnesses of hope for humanity.” His words, spoken in 2016, have a deep resonance for us now. “I invite you,” he added, “to cherish beauty, and beauty will heal the many wounds that mark the hearts and souls of the men and women of today.”

In this year’s CYO Virtual Art and Essay Contest, the students of the Archdiocese of New York offer us healing through the beauty of their works. With humor, insight and artistic talent, they have let their light shine on the love of God that lies at the heart of creation. Their entries also helped raise funds to feed hungry New Yorkers during the current crisis.

We hope you enjoy the sampling on this page. Galleries of all the entries can be found here (art) and here (photography).

Brian Mahaney, The Charmer, 10th grade, Montfort Academy, Westchester.

I LISTEN
TO THEIR CONVERSATIONS

AND READ
THEIR THOUGHTS,

THE SENIORS
ABOUT THEIR LOST YOUTH

AND THE YOUNG
ABOUT THEIR DREAMS,

THE SUN
STARTS TO SET

AND THE SKY
BEGINS TO DARKEN,

THE SUMMER IS OVER

FOR NOW

ALEXANDER CALIFANO
"CENTENIAL FIELD SPEAKS" (EXCERPT)

 

Faye Ferrer, Pandemic Haircut, 6th grade, St. Rita School, Staten Island (Archways Honorable Mention)

Ryan McLaughlin, Apple for the Teacher, 4th grade, Sacred Heart School, Suffern.

I LONG FOR THE TIME,
IN NEW YORK CITY

WHEN THE VIRAL
PANDEMIC ENDS,

EVERYONE STRONG
AND HEALTHY,

WE WILL ALL GATHER
WITH FRIENDS.

I LONG FOR THE TIME,
IN NEW YORK CITY

FILLED WITH PEACE
AND EQUALITY,

IN THIS MELTING POT
OF RACES,

I PRAY FOR UNITY
AND ONENESS.

MATTHEW MENDOZA
“NYC VISION 2020” (EXCERPT)
 

Vivianna Chin, Air Balloons in the Sunset, 4th grade, St. Augustine School, Ossining.

Editor’s note: For information about upcoming art, poetry and essay contests, go to cyony.org.