by The Ann Arbor Independent Editorial Team
The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) announced today that Jennifer Meng, a 13-year-old student at Forsythe Middle School in Ann Arbor had captured 2nd prize in the 2017 International Aviation Art Contest. All national winners receive certificates, ribbons and a framed reproduction of their artwork. Meng competed in Category II (Intermediate), open to artists aged 10-13 years-old from across the U.S. Jennifer Meng’s award-winning drawing appears below.
The 2017 competition theme was “Beyond the Clouds”:
Above the clouds is a space known only to those who dare to break the bounds of earth. Some soar in hot air balloons, gliders and hang gliders, floating across the sky with the clouds. Others fly in planes, as pilots or passengers, watching the clouds and earth race by below. Specially trained pilots in rugged aircraft fly into storm clouds, taking measurements that help those on the ground predict where the storm will go. Those in helicopters can stand still, like clouds on a still day, or can fly across the sky high and low. Aerobatic pilots love clear skies, so those below can watch their amazing feats of flight. Intrepid aviators on the ground send up weather balloons almost to space, both for science and for the amazing pictures that can be taken only when you get above the clouds.
Since 1989 the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) has sponsored the International Aviation Art Contest to challenge young people to illustrate the importance of aviation through art. Demonstrating the impact of aeronautics through an interactive, fun medium such as art motivates youth of all ages to become more familiar with aeronautics, engineering and science. The U.S. portion of the contest is sanctioned by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), managed by the NASAO Center for Aviation Research and Education and sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Prescott, Ken Cook Co., the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Coalition for Aviation and Space Education with additional support from NASAO members.
Children between the ages of 6 and 17 participated. Entries were judged in three classes, according to age and at least in part for its creative use of the theme in relation to the aviation world. Each FAI member country sponsors the contest in their country, and submits national winners to the International Jury each year. Winners of the international competition receive certificates and gold, silver or bronze medals.
