The Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library is proud to partner with The Kurt and Tessye Simon Fund for Holocaust Remembrance to host The People Next Door: Witnessing the Holocaust, a student art and creative writing contest.
About the Contest
The People Next Door: Witnessing the Holocaust Student Art and Creative Writing Contest offers the community an opportunity to learn about Michiana Holocaust survivors through art and creative writing created by local high school students. Since 2001, the Kurt and Tessye Simon Fund for Holocaust Remembrance has organized this contest biennially. The organization is committed to developing educational resources to raise awareness of the Holocaust among both Jewish and non-Jewish communities. For more information, visit http://simonholocaustfund.org/.
This year, over seventy local students participated in the contest in three categories:
- Art: Photography, painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, or other two- or three-dimensional works of visual art.
- Poetry: One or more poems totaling 20-30 lines.
- Prose: A single essay or work of fiction of 300-750 words.
First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded in each of these categories.
Exhibition Opening and Awards Ceremony
An Exhibition Opening and Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at the downtown Mishawaka Library. This event is open to the public, allowing community members to meet some of the students and view their works. After opening remarks, the contest winners will be announced. Some students will also discuss or read their pieces. The program is recommended for teens and adults. Some works may contain mature themes.
Exhibition of Student Art and Creative Writing
An exhibition open to the public will be held during library hours at the downtown Mishawaka Library in the lower level atrium, from Thursday, April 24, to Wednesday, April 30. Please note that the library will be closed on Sunday, April 27. Each displayed work is inspired by the personal stories of Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives in the Michiana area.