National Children’s Spot Art Competition 2007.

Group A (6 and below 6 years)

1st. 

Yes. He won. 

But we were not at all pleased.

A couple of weeks back, Hang came home from art class and handed me a half completed art competition entry form. “Are you sure you want to join?” The competition was held yesterday in conjunction with Thomson Community Day. Friday night, he stayed over at his grandparent’s home and thus Saturday morning was a great rush to get him to Toa Payoh for the competition. He did not pack his materials beforehand. So, we had to hunt for drawing board, mats, etc the very last minute.

Since it was free expression for his category, I’ve been asking what he would like to draw. He never gave much thought about it and only decided to draw Changi Airport on the way there. “Easy. I can draw control tower and airplane. No need to draw humans (very difficult to draw humans) because all of them are in the airplane already!”

Thought he has some aptitude, Hang never take art seriously. He has been asking us to allow him to stop his art lessons [so that he can stay home on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons]. Frankly, the only reason why we send him for lessons is to pry him from the computer and television.

In the car, Hang was looking at the prizes. “Please lah! Don’t think of winning. You din’t even prepare OK!? Just take part for the experience and have fun!”

We were late. When we reached the open field, many children had started drawing. At the registration counter, I almost fainted when I saw the size of the drawing paper. It was DOUBLE the size of the usual ones! “Hang, FORGET ABOUT AIRPORT!” Just draw an owl. You’ve done one in art class! Fold the paper into half. Print over the other side as reflection.” [Recalled the idea from this site]

He did his work half heartedly looking eagerly to play at the game stalls and playground instead. I was furious, having to remind him all the time to stay focus and complete his work! “Blend the colours properly! Concentrate! SEE! SEE! Out of line already! C’mon lah, you are the one who wants to join then do properly, blah blah blah ….”

He completed his work at super speed and handed up half an hour before the competition ended! And spent time at the exhibits collecting pamphlets and souvenirs! We went home for a quick lunch. We were all exhausted and Papa was even thinking of not going back for the prize giving ceremony. Thus I thought he was joking when he called to tell me that he won the first prize! He came home with $150 cash prize, a gold medal and some presents.

Frankly, we did not expect him to win. Which was why Papa did not bring the camera for prize presentation. And Papa had to even confirm with the MC that it was Hang who won before ushering him on stage to receive the prizes! In fact, we did not even encourage him to take part. But since he decided to participate, we expect him to take pride in his work. We were disappointed with his SIMPLY BO CHAP attitude.

But what made me really proud was, he used part of the cash prize to treat everyone dinner. He kept $30 for himself and spent to rest on both his brothers. “Gor Gor will buy you all VCDs okie!?” He even gave Xiang his brand new box of colour pencils, “Didi din’t win, so I share with him my present.”

We teased, “Hang, if you don’t treat dinner, then you have more money for your toys” We beamed with pride as he replied, “I promised eveyone I will treat dinner already. A promise is a promise.” and added, “But my budget only $100 okie, if over $100, then everyone have to top up!”

Hang handed us another application form, and annouced, “First prize got $300!” It reads, Istana Art Event. 5th August. 9am – 11am, with fine prints, Provide One Way bus transport for participants. Please assemble at 6:50am. Bus leaves at 7:00am

“Err … SO EARLY! This time draw owl wont win one. Must draw human – racial harmony stuff you know- so let’s FORGET IT lah huh!?”

[Just want to keep this talent of his at the non-competitive level]