The Buccaneers Academy program serves more than 16,000 students and 2,200 teachers that are located in mostly economically-distressed areas of Hillsborough County, FL. Each of the 24 schools are provided with curriculum-based programming from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that engages students with interactive challenges and regular visits from players, cheerleaders and the Glazer Family Foundation Vision Mobile.
On November 16, this year's art challenge concluded at One Buccaneer Place with a special exhibit featuring the original works from the top ten students representing Buccaneers Academies from across the Bay Area.
Celebrating the budding young artist's accomplishments, along with family and friends were, Co-President of the Glazer Family Foundation Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Hillsborough County Superintendent Jeff Eakins, and a host of representatives from the school district.
"These cards are unbelievable," shares Kassewitz. "We have so many talented artists at Buccaneers Academies, and we're just so happy to showcase everyone."
On Thursday, Nov 16, the Bucs hosted the second annual Holiday Card Art Exhibit at One Buc Place to recognize the top 10 pieces from this year's Buccaneers Academy Holiday Art Contest.
The students were selected after a team of local art professionals reviewed dozens of entries from each of the 24 academies, with the winning piece receiving the opportunity to have his or her artwork featured on the Buccaneers' official holiday greeting card.
"We have a great partnership with the Buccaneers through Buccaneers Academies," shares Hillsborough County Art Supervisor and one of this year's judges, Erin Saladino. "It was really cool to see the students communicate messages through their art for this year's challenge."
The art exhibit also featured a discussion from graphic designers with the team who shared the convergence of art into the world of sports; complete with an interactive lesson between participants from the audience.
The winner of this year's art challenge is 5th grader from Lithia Springs Elementary, Maddie K. Maddie says she was inspired by Captain Fear and her love for snow globes. "Captain Fear is one of my favorite people from the Buccaneers, and I also love snow globes", she says. "I thought, why not put Captain Fear in a snow globe."
Before the evening ended, all ten finalists and their families were surprised with tickets to the New Year's Eve game, when the Buccaneers take on the New Orleans Saints on Dec. 31.
