Student Art Contest Promotes Wauwatosa History

Every year, the Wauwatosa Historical Society sponsors an art contest to promote appreciation for the unique historic buildings in the community. Janel Ruzicka, executive director of WHS, notes that young artists concentrate on a number of shared, historic landmarks in their creations. The distinctive scalloped trim framing Wauwatosa’s notable Little Red Store shows up frequently as an architectural element, as does the steeple atop the First Congregational Church and the unusual design and placement of Robertson’s Hardware store.

“The project is designed to help our students grow to be good citizens and make them aware of Wauwatosa’s heritage,” Ruzicka said. For inspiration, students choose from among a list of over 20 historic Wauwatosa buildings.

The contest is open to students in all public and private Wauwatosa schools, grades K4 through 5. Interested students should contact their school’s art teacher for a list of the eligible buildings. Entries are submitted through the students’ art department. Two winning entries per grade receive awards from WHS, which are presented by the mayor. These contest winners are also displayed at the Little Red Store in May.