The artwork of youth from around the Essex riding is hanging in people’s homes and those same artists were recognized Sunday afternoon.
Essex MP Chris Lewis’ office put a call out for their first annual Community Calendar Contest. The contest was put out to all students in Grades 3-6 around the region with 13 drawings being featured as part of Lewis’ 2025 calendar that was mailed out to residents.
Lewis told the crowd assembled at his constituency office in Essex Sunday afternoon that it meant the world to him that everyone to came out “to celebrate these remarkable young artists.” Lewis joked that he knew he wasn’t a good artist when his Grade 7 teacher told him he wasn’t colouring the sky correctly.
“These young artists have gotten their work to every single door in our area,” said Lewis. “It’s gone to every house.”
Lewis said it is a good news story, stating people are suffering and “wallets are tight” with many, but this was a way to spread cheer to residents. The theme of the contest was “My Favourite Thing to Do” with the young artists receiving a certificate from Lewis with their artwork featured in the calendar and also hung in his constituency office.
“We have to take a moment to celebrate the gifts the Good Lord gave us individually,” said Lewis. “It’s how we use the gifts who make us who we are.”
The Essex Member of Parliament encouraged students to follow their dreams.
“Anything you want to do, don’t take no for an answer,” he said. “Follow the rules but don’t let anyone tell you no.”
Lewis noted he represents approximately 135,000 people at the federal level and told the students they helped those people.
“Every one of you put smiles on someone’s face without you even knowing it,” Lewis told the students.
Marnie Pouget, Lewis’ chief of staff, said Lewis has represented the riding since 2019.
“He’s always been about youth, the next generation coming after us,” said Pouget. “Doing the calendar seemed to fit well with his priorities.”
Young artists recognized by Essex MP Chris Lewis
By Ron Giofu
Comments