Naval Hospital Bremerton Art Show Draws Young Talent

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Artistic creativity and splashes of color were the themes on June 27 as children gathered with their parents and siblings at Naval Hospital Bremerton for the Second Annual Pediatric Department's Children's Art Show.

The art show was held in conjunction with a current Pediatrics campaign of, "5 A Day-The Color Way! Eat Your Colors Every Day" and recognized painting, drawing and sketching efforts by children of staff and beneficiaries.

The '5 A Day' program is a national health system designed for children to eat a healthy, balanced diet of nutritional foods. The goal is to have children try foods - specifically fruits and vegetables - utilizing the colors of red, orange, yellow, blue and green. Naval Hospital Bremerton Pediatric Department Head Cmdr. Andrea Donalty said it tied in nicely as a theme for the art contest.

"It (the art show) worked very well with the '5 A Day' program and the kids had fun with it. Anything health related that brings in a fun learning element or enhances creativity is really a positive energy force in a young person's life," said Donalty.

All the participants in the contest received certificates and gift bags filled with health promotion paraphernalia. Pediatric Department Art Contest coordinator Lt. Lindsay McQuade said she hopes to gain momentum and have future similar events.

"We'll get the word out more extensively next year and there will be more kids involved. It was a nice opportunity for the kids here to show off their talents. This event will only get bigger," said McQuade.

Naval Hospital Bremerton Executive Officer, and art enthusiast, Capt. Maureen Pennington offered encouragement to the young artists to keep their focus on being creative.

"As a lover of all things artistic, I urge everyone to keep reaching out for things that will broaden your ability to be creative. Painting, sculptures, taking pictures, anything you want to do, [and] it's all out there for you to experience," said Pennington.

All entries will be framed and placed around the pediatric clinic until next year's art contest. The children's art contest is a culmination of effort involving all levels of the pediatric staff and the hospital's Oak Leaf Club, and Medical Service Corps association.

For more news from Naval Hospital Bremerton, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhb/.