Isabelle Cormier (left) of Sandy Springs, Georgia, won the age 9-12 category (here's her winning artwork), and Maggie Borchers, 7, of Cincinnati, Ohio, won the ages 5-8 category.
In the spring issue of Marian Helper, we announced a Divine Mercy art contest for children ages 5 to 12. Contestants were encouraged to draw or paint an 8-by-10-inch Divine Mercy Image.
We received dozens of entries. Winners — chosen by readers who voted via Facebook and TheDivineMercy.org — were announced on the Thursday before Divine Mercy Sunday.
The top five winners received a mercy Rosary and Perpetual Enrollment in the Association of Marian Helpers spiritual benefit society. First place winners won art supplies and several gifts from ShopMercy.org, including The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy Official Coloring Book .
Isabelle Cormier of Sandy Springs, Georgia, won the age 9-12 category, with her acrylic Divine Mercy Image, which features the Secretary of Divine Mercy, St. Faustina, as well as the man who canonized her, St. John Paul II. Isabelle is the eighth of eight children.
“[I’ve been drawing] since I was really little,” she said. Isabelle was encouraged to enter the contest by her cousin Joshua Tomney, 11, of Hanceville, Alabama. Isabelle’s older sister, Cristianne, is a discalced Carmelite who lives a cloistered life in a convent in Argentina, near where the Cormiers lived over a decade ago. Isabelle said that one day, she might like to be a religious sister, herself.
“Isabelle loves drawing and art. She is always creating her own birthday, greeting, and holiday cards for family and friends,” said Bill Cormier, Isabelle’s father. “She finds that’s a way to give a personal, meaningful gifts to others.”
Isabelle is homeschooled and, in addition to drawing, also likes to knit and crochet. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the Cormiers regularly attended daily Mass. They also pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 p.m. and the Rosary before bed.
Maggie Borchers, 7, of Cincinnati, Ohio, won the ages 5-8 category, with an acrylic Divine Mercy Image painted on canvas.
Maggie has two brothers, with another on the way in July. She’s homeschooled and is finishing up first grade. In addition to art, she likes theater and playing piano.
“I was pretty excited about [the contest],” Maggie said. “I have enjoyed [art] pretty much my whole life.”
“The contest has encouraged us to learn more about Divine Mercy and St. Faustina,” said Jackie, Maggie’s mother.
Thanks to all who entered the contest!
— Marc Massery
