Creative Solutions to Conflict

MACRO Student art contest showcases art to help resolve conflicts

Young artists from all over Maryland and their families gathered in the lobby of the Courts of Appeal building lobby in Annapolis to meet with Chief Judge Robert M. Bell when he hosted a reception for the Maryland Judiciary’s fourth Conflict Resolution Day Student Bookmark Art Contest last fall. Judge Bell presented awards, shook students’ hands and posed with the honorees while parents proudly snapped photos.

Almost 400 entries were received from Maryland children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The contest was sponsored by the Judiciary’s Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office (MACRO). The colorful and creative artwork reflected the theme of resolving or preventing conflict, including peer mediation, talking things out, apologizing, respecting differences, solving problems together, listening, tolerance, building peace, or alternatives to violence.

Winning entries were chosen for first-, second-, and third-place in two categories: kindergarten-fifth grade; and sixth-eighth grade. The prize for first place in each category is $75, second place $50, and third place $25. The six winning entries will be printed as bookmarks for use in promoting conflict resolution across Maryland. All the artwork was
on public display for a month in the lobby of the Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building in Annapolis.

Calls for entries for the fifth annual contest will go out early in the next school year. Watch the Maryland Judiciary’s website, www.mdcourts.gov, for more information.

Online extras
More photos and the list of winners of the 2009 Conflict Resolution Day Student Art Contest.

For MACRO art contest article

The "more photos" resides in our shared drive -- I can pick some out and can we lodge them online?
Winners of the 2009 Conflict Resolution Day Student Bookmark Art Contest: http://mdcourts.gov/publications/ejusticematters/2010/winter/pdfs/conflictresolutionwinners09.pdf
MACRO Art Contest Photos