Warm our hearts: Mitten drawings show off youngsters’ skills and creativity

The judges’ hearts were warmed by all the entries to The Spokesman-Review’s winter coloring contest. Young artists from around the region created more than 250 colorful and sparkly mittens to choose from.

In the 0-4 age group, mixed media was the theme. The judges liked the fluffy cotton ball cuff on Teagan Hall’s colorful polka dot mitten. Teagan is 4 and lives in Vallyford.

Four-year-old Keller Rolando, of Spokane, attached pompoms in a variety of colors for a cheerful look. And Spokane Valley’s Niko Zofio, 4, turned his mitten into a Christmas tree, complete with a garland made of sequins and tiny drawn ornaments.

In the 5-7 age group, Cohen Thomas went for a classic red, white and green design with snowflakes and painted marshmallow trim. Cohen is 7 and lives in Spokane Valley.

Judges were impressed by 6-year-old Shannon Mukamana’s rainbow mitt, especially with its glitter glue dots. Shannon lives in Spokane. And Harper McIntyre’s darling painted snowman – featuring a black hat, carrot nose, striped scarf and coal buttons – brought smiles to match the snowman. Harper is 7 and lives in Millwood.

In the 8-12 age group, judges liked how artists looked past the obvious choices.

Lauren Turner, of Spokane Valley, turned her mitten into an adorable pup all dressed up for the holidays and Natalie Olinger, of Spokane, drew a detailed Christmas scene with beautifully wrapped presents on hers. (Natalie, by the way, is a two-time winner. She won the Valentine’s Day coloring contest earlier this year.) Both girls are 11. And 10-year-old Gabe Nagrone flipped his mitt to create a fun Santa. Gabe lives in Coeur d’Alene.

A big hand to all our artists! The winners will each receive a gift certificate to Mobius. To check out the rest of the mittens, visit Mobius Children’s Museum at River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave.