Award-Winning Artwork Celebrates the Legacy of Dr. Seuss
By Alisha Yocum
Maria Mills selected Dr. Seuss as the historical figure to celebrate as part of the nationwide art contest celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.
Maria Mills is recognized as Maryland’s Middle School State Winner in the art contest hosted by Freedom 250 and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
When Maria Mills of Emmitsburg set out to create her entry for the national American Heroes Student Art Contest, she wanted to honor someone who had made a lasting impact on generations of children. Her choice was author Theodore Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, whose colorful books have inspired millions of young readers to discover a love of reading.
Mills’ artwork earned her the title of Maryland’s Middle School State Winner in the nationwide competition, which was hosted by Freedom 250 and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the nation’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
More than 1,000 students from across the country submitted original works of art highlighting historical Americans who have shaped the nation’s history. State winners were recognized during a special awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., where their artwork was also featured in a national exhibition.
For her mixed-media artwork, Mills surrounded a portrait of Dr. Seuss with many of his beloved storybook characters, including The Cat in the Hat. Bright, bold colors inspired by the pop art movement bring the piece to life, while the familiar characters appear eager to share the joy of reading with others.
“I chose to illustrate Dr. Seuss because he dedicated his life to writing for emerging readers,” Mills wrote in her artist statement. “Without his work, children who struggle with reading wouldn’t try to study harder. With his books, kids create a love of reading in their hearts early so that they can read throughout their lives.”
Mills said she intentionally included some of Dr. Seuss’ most recognizable characters because they were the “keystone” that made his books fun and engaging for young readers. She described The Cat in the Hat character as representing the excitement and enthusiasm of sharing stories with others.
Her portrait of Dr. Seuss stands apart from the whimsical characters by being rendered more realistically.
“Theodore is drawn more realistically than his characters to show their importance in the hearts of kids,” Mills explained. “He is pictured in his eighties to remind us that his work will last for centuries.”
Mills also incorporated an American flag into the background of the piece to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and to symbolize the lasting influence that Dr. Seuss has had on American culture.
The American Heroes Student Art Contest invited students in grades 3-12 to create original artwork celebrating one of the historical figures selected for the future National Garden of American Heroes.
Entries were judged on artistic excellence, creativity, historical relevance, and the accompanying artist statement. Winners from each state and territory received recognition at a national awards ceremony and had their artwork displayed during the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.
Congrats, Maria, on showcasing your talents to the nation!
Maria Mills selected Dr. Seuss as the historical figure to celebrate as part of the nationwide art contest celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.
Maria Mills is recognized as Maryland’s Middle School State Winner in the art contest hosted by Freedom 250 and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
