With midsummer swiftly approaching, many parents eagerly seized the favorable weather in April for an opportunity to bring their children to participate in the long-awaited National Chung Cheng University Art Competition for Children (彩繪中正親子寫生比賽). After three years, the competition was finally being held outdoors and in-person again, attracting over 400 young participants from kindergarten to middle school students to sign up this year. Throughout the event, children could be seen deeply engrossed in capturing the campus scenery of Chung Cheng University (CCU) on paper, while their parents accompanied them with guidance and support. This competition not only helped strengthen the bond between parent and child, but also served as a great activity for the public and children to get to know CCU better.

Whether it is the Tranquility Lake, the Administration Building, or CCU College of Engineering, the creativity through the children’s brushes colored up these different parts of CCU. The artworks were all unique in their own way, as some took on a realistic approach while others were painted in playful and adorable innocence. Friends of Chung Cheng University, the organizer of this 21st Art Competition explained, over the last few years, in-person events had been significantly challenged due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, instead of canceling the event completely, Friends of National Chung Cheng University made an adaptation by allowing participants to submit their artwork through the mail for such events in the past three years to be continued. This decision was driven by the intention to uphold the fine tradition of The Friends of National Chung Cheng University as well as the good-faith efforts in providing children with enjoyable art experiences, despite the undesirable impact from the pandemic.

This year, children and parents from various parts of Taiwan actively signed up for the competition, including participants coming from Taoyuan, Miaoli, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Yunlin and Chiayi. The number of contestants from Yunlin and Chiayi areas alone exceeded 400, and more than 50 participants came from the rest of the counties and cities. At the event, Friends of National Chung Cheng University remarked back on last year's competition theme, " Let’s Get on A Journey Through the Pandemic! " (走~疫起去旅行). The theme was aimed to convey hope for the end of the coronavirus pandemic, enabling children to re-enjoy outdoor activities and spend quality time with their parents. Now, with pandemic restrictions finally easing, the theme of this year’s competition continued to revolve around the concept of “going outdoors”, encouraging people to explore the beautiful campus of CCU and reconnect with the nature within.

Dr. Zhang-Hua Fong, President of CCU stated that he himself had participated in the National Chung Cheng University Art Competition for Children several times, noticing that the event was held more successfully than the previous one each time. He was also delighted to see many faculty and staff members bringing their own children to take part in the event this year. The artworks from the competition could offer people a glimpse into the beauty of CCU, allowing everyone to admire the magnificent campus which has been adorned with over 200,000 trees. “All members from Friends of National Chung Cheng University or the public are welcome to provide any suggestions on future improvements for CCU landscape,” Dr. Fong added.  

Ms. Shu-Mei Lu, 21st President of Friends of National Chung Cheng University expressed her excitement as the outdoor National Chung Cheng University Art Competition for Children had finally returned after three years. She extended the warmest and most joyful welcome to all parents and children who had joined the event at CCU. Mr. Chin-Yuan Lu, former president of Friends of Chung Cheng University, had also been looking forward to the return of the outdoor and in-person event as the pandemic restrictions gradually lifted and everyone’s life went back to normal. He showed his gratitude for the support of the university and sincerely wished that participants coming from many parts of the country could keep positive impressions and lasting memories of this beautiful university through this event.

Friends of National Chung Cheng University pointed out that a lucky draw game had been arranged at the event. This year, under the strong sponsorship from members of Friends of National Chung Cheng University, over 120 prizes were offered for the draw game; many of which are the children’s favorites, such as board games, painting supplies, and picnic accessories. iPads, Apple watches, and other items were also included as the biggest prizes.

In the competition, the contestants were categorized into five groups: kindergarten, elementary school grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grades 5-6, and junior high school. From each group, the top 3 contestants were selected as winners, along with 3 Excellence Awards and 3 Honorable Mentions going to other 6 people. The winning announcement was made on the 28th of April on the official website and Facebook fan page of Friends of Nation Chung Cheng University. Thereafter, contestants were able to check the winning list online and the winning certificates and prize money were sent to the schools of the winners through double-registered mail by the end of May. It was hoped that the schools could publicly recognize the children’s efforts, encouraging them to continue pursuing their painting dreams.