Have you ever had to watch someone you love go through something difficult and it made you wish there was something — anything — you could do?
Dear Earthlings, my beloveds of the earth, welcome to my planetsite.
I want to share with you the vision behind the Maunamars Art Competitions and the good it can do for our children, adults — better yet, our entire country.
How many of you were once artistic teenagers who questioned the value of your artistic talents?
How many of you wanted to pursue art, but you couldn’t imagine how?
Jamaica needs more focused opportunities that supports our children’s talents — whether creative, academic or vocational — while they’re still in school.
The Inspiration behind the art competitions story
For those who are here because you’re wondering what inspired me to create a space-themed art competition — welcome! And I’m so elated about your interest – thank you so much for even considering me!
In the beginning, I wrote invitation letters to schools, inviting them to participate in the competitions . I vividly remember, in response a curious teacher from Campion College called me. She cared enough to ask, “What inspired you to choose this theme?”
Beloved, I am grateful you asked. Thank you.
I felt so seen and appreciated.
She called me while I was at work and I could just feel her brilliance radiating through the phone. It was unexpected.
And immediately, I began to reflect — to recollect my thoughts. And it was in that moment, that I remembered something from my childhood.
I did not want to draw potted plants and stools — still life.
She asked another question again, “Why didn’t you choose something Caribbean?”
And I responded,
“Naturally we are very Caribbean — because we are from the Caribbean. So I believe whether its about the Caribbean or not, in some way our Caribbean selves will naturally seep in and paint itself in the children’s ’s art.”
An Interesting Idea Born from Pain
I’m not a good talker ‘in the moment’. Yet, when I set myself aside and I sit to write — that’s where you will find an undiluted version of me.
This bright idea was born from pain.
I sat on the floor one night and thought about what I have to offer the world?
What can I do?
What do I have to give?
And I searched myself — I felt so empty. Then I felt so sore, thinking, How dare I have no idea how to answers these questions.
Until — my empty hands became full with a heavy heart. And like a mother to a child, I tucked myself in that night, head aching, right before my bright idea was born.
Walking myself through it all
So, the next morning I woke up — and even though it was my hands that carried my heavy heart, the weight was still slightly lingering in my chest. Except, I was in a lighter mood.
And in my brother’s bedroom, in the company of my little sister, I thought. And I thought. I walked and I walked and I walked to and fro until — I bumped into myself.
And myself said:
“Why don’t you host a competition to inspire kids?”
“So they can feel that their talents matter, even though they are young they are mini-proffessionals”
“And they can earn – cash prizes – for their great efforts?”
“Because they are worth it”
I started to imagine that this competition is real — their potential characters and roles in the new reality.
And I remembered what I liked to draw as a kid and that anything else would feel like a chore.
And I remembered the voices of my students how much they asked for art classes to be fun. So I chose a theme that would’nt feel like a chore.
That spark their imagination.
Pique their interests.
Then I thought:
“Well, since my name is Maunamars, and I’m alien…”
Then what better way is there than by inviting the children to join the Galactic Force — by sending them on a galactic space mission?
What Makes This Competition Different?
The Maunamars Art Competitions is an ongoing project a registered business based in Jamaica.
Yes, I want to do things the right way. And I want others to feel safe while we are on this galactic mission.
Our mission is to build a world — if not an entire galacticverse — to encourage children to nurture their creativity, because it is valuable.
To the young adults like myself who didn’t get to experience this as a child — welcome. Maunamars believes in your inner child too.
The Maunamars art competitions have clear structures, age categories and digital submission forms. Each age group has a name.
Ages 7 to 11 are Starbursts, 12 to 14 are Asteroids, the 15 to 17 are Zeniths, the 18 to 20 are Ecliptics and 21 to 30 are Red Giants. Join us on our mission. Become a Marsian. Experience this galacticverse.
Just an interjecting thought — You want to know what I really want?
I want children to go back to the days where school felt fun and enjoyable again. As a teenager I loved and enjoyed school — even though sometimes I thought I hated it.
Did you know that a lot of children share the “Oh what’s the use?”, feeling? Help us change it.
I want this art competition to be one use — the reason for children to create now and to see themselves as creators.
And to our beautiful, brilliant teachers and leaders across Jamaica let it be an inspiration to you too — to create more ‘uses’ for the children to apply now.
The Impact of My Classroom Experience
After spending a lot of time around my students I could feel the disconnection — between me and them. Between them and their work. Somehow, things seem to have no meaning to them. So, I used to wonder,
What can I say?
What can I build?
Who can I become so that I can be ‘a good enough of an example’ to motivate these children to go some more – with plenty more?
This experience led me to try to empathize with the children. And from that empathy came inspiration. Empathy is a genuine way to connect with them.
But I also noticed the children seem to be losing touch of their own empathy. And yet empathy breathes creativity and creativity breathes empathy.
Therefore, this is where the Maunamars art competitions comes in. We are building a space for children to express their creativity.
Once we create opportunities to reward children for their creativity, we’re more likely to influence them to be the mini-professionals that they already are. And the mature professionals we’re preparing them to become.
At the end of each competition season, there will be a collection of interviews from selected participants. I look forward to building a ‘Marsian zine” — a space themed art magazine.
I want our students to think:
“I’m determined to do my endeavor best.”
“Because someone out there is waiting to recognize me.”
“I’m a visible force!”
Futhermore, I say this because growing up I felt invisible. In fact – I was afraid. Afraid that I didn’t have what it took to go work in the real world.
I used to worry:
How am I going to make it?
What am I going to do now?
And that wondering – that was painful. But I believe the Maunamars Art competitions can help children who feels like I once did.
Support the vision.
Help your child see their value more clearly than I once saw mine through my own doubtful lens.
Do you believe in this mission? Support us let’s join forces. Become a Marsian. Join the galactic force.
Let me know how you feel about the mission in the comment section below.
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