Saratoga News
Education
The Olympiad of the Arts student competition adds new categories
By Michele Tjin
The Olympiad of the Arts, a student competition that has been going strong for 79 years, is getting an updated look. Three new categories--digital multimedia, video and digital photography--have been added to recognize the influence of computers in the arts.
"That's one of the reasons why we've expanded and added new digital categories," said Wendie Weisman, director of the competition. "This area is so strong. Many high schools are developing digital media programs."
The Olympiad is a yearly competition sponsored by the West Valley-Mission Colleges Foundation and is open to high school, community college and lower-division college students in Santa Clara County. Besides the three new categories, organizers are also seeking entries in prose writing, acting, poetry, dance, vocals, piano, traditional photography and visual arts.
"Our mission is to encourage and reward excellence in the arts and to provide our local schools a showcase for their talented students and outstanding arts programs," Weisman said.
The competitions in the various categories begin in February and continue through April. The first deadline is Feb. 28 for visual art. Art, photography, digital media and video exhibits and receptions are held at the art gallery at West Valley College. Performance, dance, vocal music and piano auditions are held at West Valley and Mission colleges. Creative writing and digital media entries are submitted by mail to the Olympiad office at West Valley. The Olympiad culminates with an award ceremony on May 6 at the West Valley theater.
Local schools have traditionally been well represented. Students from Saratoga High School repeatedly shine in the poetry division, Weisman said, and those from Westmont High School have received honors in the drama program. Lynbrook High School does well in writing, and Los Gatos High School has had winning art entries in the past.
Professionals in the disciplines judge the competitions.
"We have a lot of talent that is being developed in our schools," Weisman said. "The schools are fighting a hard battle to maintain their arts program. The teachers are wonderful. This is as much recognition for them as it is to their students."
All guidelines and entry forms can be downloaded from the Olympiad website at www.olympiadofthearts.org. For more information, contact Weisman, Olympiad director, at 408.741.2066.
