Long Beach High School senior Max Tunney was named the winner of the New York State Youth Art Month Flag Design Contest. His entry portrays a representation of the famous movie, “King Kong,” with the Manhattan skyline in the background. It will be used to support the celebration of art that takes place in March.
 
Max’s drawing is being converted into a digital illustration that will be printed onto a large flag to be flown at the National Art Education Association’s Annual Conference in Chicago. Max will also receive a smaller version of the flag, which will be displayed at the high school throughout the month of March.

“When I think about New York, I imagine New York City’s iconic skyline and the classic monster movie, ‘King Kong,’” Max said. “I thought an ‘artistic King Kong’ against a colorful backdrop of New York City’s landmark buildings would depict New York in a whimsical way while incorporating the Youth Art Month national theme.”

The contest required students to encompass the theme, “the power of art,” and to incorporate the “Youth Art Month” name in their designs. It was also requested that images signify New York State.

Youth Art Month is an annual observance each March to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs.