I’ve written before about the Westport Farmers’ Market’s “Young Shoots” photo contest.
It’s open to 3 age groups: 8-10, 11-14, 15-18. They can take shots every Thursday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Fruits, vegetables, flowers, people — they’re all there, showing off the vitality of the market in colorful, imaginative ways.
First-place winners receive a $100 cash prize, and the chance to lead a food photo shoot with Bill Taibe (chef/owner of The Whelk, Ka Wa Ni and Jesup Hall). Second-place winners get $50.
In addition, winners have their work shown in a gallery-like setting at Sugar & Olives (a favorite Farmers’ Market vendor).
Those are nice rewards. But the contest also changes lives.
Last year, Lillie Fortino was art coordinator for the Norwalk Housing Authority’s after-school program. She thought the contest would be great for her kids.
Many had never been to a farmers’ market. They were hesitant at first. But they trusted Fortino, and her excitement fed theirs.
They brought a completely fresh eye — as children and photographers — to the bursting-with-goods-and-activity Imperial Avenue lot.
They also experimented with foods they’d never tried, like snap peas and soft cheeses, and bought flowers they’d never seen.
A talented girl named Anastasia Davis won her 11-14 age group.
Anastasia Davis’ winning photo.
Taibe invited Anastasia to Kawa Ni and the Whelk. There, she tried even more foods. Nothing was off limits.
The contest sparked a partnership between the Norwalk Housing Authority and Westport Arts Center. Fortino has a new job — director of education for the WAC — and this year she included work by NHA youngsters in the arts center’s student show. One boy proudly sold a piece there.
Ahead: collaboration between the NHA and the WAC’s artists’ residency program.
Everyone knows the Westport Farmers’ Market vendors grow great food. Who knew the market helps young kids grow too?
Anastasia Davis
