The 20th  Edition of the „Alexandru Ene” Drawing and Essay Contest

The Romanian Nuclear Energy Association (AREN) and the Romanian Atomic Forum (ROMATOM) organized in 2015 a children drawing competition entitled “Alexandru Ene”, and an essay contest “The Atom – Our Friend”. Already a tradition, the drawing and essay contests saw a considerable number of participants, eager to enter the battle of creativity.

The success of this competition was also confirmed by hundreds of participants from all over the country. All participating children with a talent for writing or drawing illustrated their knowledge, perception and views on the “omnipresent atom”.

“We wanted to grant equal opportunities for those students with outstanding talents for drawing as well as for those guided only by inspiration and creativity in handling the brush. For more objectivity and transparency in judgment, the contestants were divided into three age categories: 7 – 10, 11 – 14, and 15 – 19 years old. They competed according to their specific educational unit”, stated Mrs. Mihaela Stiopol, President of AREN.  

Almost 200 illustrations entered the drawing competition, out of which more than one quarter originating from schools specializing in fine arts. Although the essay section received fewer papers (only 36 essays), this section showed the most inspired literary creations. The submissions for both categories met the assigned theme and tried to convey, as close as they could, the importance of the atom related to all discoveries which have impacted our lives today.

This year’s jury consisted of five members with experience in nuclear engineering, architecture, communication and advertising. The quality, originality and creativeness of the works turned the judgment process into a disputed one. At the end of the evaluation and adjudication process, there were 24 prizes awarded.

The competition ended on 5 June 2015, with a piano concert and an exhibition hosted by the George Enescu Museum (Cantacuzino Palais), where all participants received an award, not only the winners of the competitions. Moreover, all the entries in the competition were exhibited. Thus, for two days, everyone present (including tourists, children and parents) could admire the drawings.

“We thank all the children, from all over the country, who participated in this year “Alexandru Ene” drawings and essays contest. We also appreciate the interest, desire and creativity they showed in presenting and converting the atom into the nucleus of their artistic works’ universe”, stated Livia Chitu, RYG Vice Chair.