ORANGE PARK – A Grove Park Elementary student’s artwork called “Where Ideas Go to Play,” earned a blue ribbon at the Boys/Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida’s Second Annual Art Gala Contest. 

Jemima Joseph used markers, pen, pencil and white paper to create a colorful piece that “captures how ideas move when there are no rules telling them where to stop.” 

Jemima said she “used color, shape and space to show imagination in motion, not staying in one place and not needing to make sense right away. Some parts are bold and some are quiet, because that is how thinking feels in my head. I want people to look at it and feel curious, like they are discussing something new each time they look.” 

Her artwork was one of 80 submitted from Boys/Girls Club members from Clay, St. Johns, Alachua, Duval and Nassau counties. Her selection was one of 20 picked for its creativity, perspective and artistic skill. 

A selection of the blue ribbon winners will be submitted to the National Arts Gala Contest. 

Her work was displayed gallery style throughout the Teen Center, 313 E. 10th St., in Jacksonville, which allowed families, staff and guests to experience the talent and imagination of the young artists. 

According to BGCNF, the event highlighted the important role of arts programming in youth development, giving members opportunities to explore creativity, build confidence and express their unique voices.