HARRISBURG — A teacher and student from Philipsburg-Osceola High School recently won accolades in an art competition hosted by the Pennsylvania State Education Association to honor the tremendous contributions of the labor movement to Pennsylvania and our nation.
Barry Raker of Philipsburg-Osceola Education Association won first place among PSEA members and his student Sienna Ebert won 2nd place among participating students.
Raker’s “Mosaic of Unionism” earned a $1,000 prize.
“While a traditional mosaic is an artwork composed of small pieces of stone, glass, or ceramic tile, ‘Mosaic of Unionism’employs drawings, paintings, and symbolic imagery to convey its narrative,” Raker said. “My hope is that viewers visually dissect this artwork and make the connections between the imagery and meaning, ultimately understanding and appreciating the principles and history of unionism.”
Ebert’s entry, “Hands of Unity,” earned a $500 prize.
“Hands, representing workers, are unified and holding the red rose. This displays unity and support. They show how important it is for working people to come together instead of standing alone,” Ebert said. “The red rose symbolizes the blood of the working class, passion, and the strong commitment to solidarity and a better life. The white roses represent unity, loyalty, and new beginnings. Together, they show both the sacrifices workers have made in the past and the hope for a stronger future.”
PSEA holds the Jenifer J. DuBois Fabric of Unionism Art Competition every two years for members and students to promote the historical significance of the labor movement and its importance to the future.
“Pennsylvania is home to many talented educators and students, and PSEA is thrilled to showcase their artwork,” said Aaron Chapin, a Stroudsburg Area middle school teacher and president of PSEA. “Their creativity and talent shine through in each piece, helping tell the story of the labor movement and why it remains vital to our future.”
Grand prize winners in both student and member categories received $1,000; second prize winners, $500; and third prize winners, $250.
The Fabric of Unionism Art Competition started in 1997 and was renamed in 2000 in memory of Jenifer J. DuBois, a founding member of the project. DuBois was a teacher and local leader in PSEA’s Central Region and served as a PSEA UniServ representative in the Northeastern and Central regions.
