Owl out of trib papers….
Combine life experience, newspaper and creativity and what do you get? Winners of Inland 360’s Use the News Contest, that’s what.
Debra R. Allen, of Lewiston, was chosen as the contest winner with her wide-eyed “Newsy Owl.” Carl Stanton, of Deary, won the Reader’s Choice with 143 votes for his “Aircraft Carrier,” complete with newsprint models. There were 12 entries in total, all of which used newspaper to create something inventive and unique.Allen used paper mache to create her owl, a craft technique she’s used since her youth after her aunt showed her how to make bowls. Allen, who works in youth services at the Lewiston City Library, describes herself as a self-trained artist who likes to re-purpose items in a creative way. Paper mache is a chance to “get my hands messy,” she said.
Though it wasn’t her first time using paper mache, it was the first time she’s created an owl — which she selected for the simple reason that she likes owls. And, it turns out, she likes the newspaper too.
“I read the newspaper to be informed and also as entertainment,” Allen said. “And I like the pictures — I’m a visual person.”
Allen cut out headlines, images and her favorite Shakespearean Inland 360 ad to colorize and decorate the body of her owl. The only added color was inside the plastic cup eyes, which feature the eyes from the recent “steampunk cat” cover of Inland 360.
The project of 9-year-old Reader’s Choice winner, Stanton, was largely influenced by the people in his life. He is close to a number of veterans: their service, stories and friendship are what inspired the aircraft carrier. Stanton dedicated his project to the memory of Kenneth Whitney Sr., of Troy, who passed away Oct. 24 at the age of 90. Whitney served in World War II, flying bombing missions over Europe.
To create the project, Stanton wrapped a water-heater box in newspaper. The accompanying helicopter and airplane models were completed by assembling cardboard pieces covered in newspaper. The submarine made use of an old fire extinguisher his brothers found in a Dumpster. He’s created paper airplanes and model airplanes before, but this is his first time using newspaper for that purpose. Stanton attends St. Mary’s School in Moscow and is the son of Murray and Sarah Stanton of Deary.
The vote tallies for each entry are online at www.inland360.com/use-the-news-winner/.
