The classic movie scene of King Kong towering above Manhattan’s tallest skyscrapers is the colorful vision that makes a flag designed by Long Beach High School senior Max Tunney stand out. Max put his own artistic style and bold details into the illustration that was named winner of the New York State Youth Art Month Flag Design Contest.

Max’s award-worthy entry is now being viewed by educators and guests from across the nation while flown at the National Art Education Association’s Annual Conference in Chicago. A smaller version of the flag was recently delivered to Long Beach High School, where it will be temporarily displayed for all to see as they enter the building. Max will eventually be able to take this flag home as a keepsake.

“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.”

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. 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.