Review of the 33rd Scarecrow competition.

Review of the 33rd Scarecrow competition.

This year, for the first time, I am participating in the 33rd Scarecrow competition and would like to leave a review. Through this competition, I realized the importance of making a scarecrow that can withstand strong rain and wind.

​Go to the related site.

As this was my first time attending a convention, I was worried about this unexpected force of nature. And I actually didn't participate in the competition to win. The main goal was to display the pictures drawn by students on the scarecrow to show to many people as a standing art gallery. And when making the scarecrow, we wanted to use recycled materials whenever possible to make it without harming the environment. I didn't want to go overboard and buy a mannequin or use a scarecrow making kit. I made the scarecrow as naturally as possible. And I was able to successfully complete the scarecrow and participate in the competition.

​ It was placed in front of the hair salon in the Stony Brook Village Center Court, which was beautifully designed to resemble a European street. Each scarecrow has a unique number, which is given to them by Ward Melville Heritage Organization. It must be installed where this number is specified. 

It rained a lot during the exhibition period. The scarecrow had to be tossed around by strong winds and exposed to rain. I had to check the scarecrow every now and then. And in the process, I became friends with the hair salon owner who set up my scarecrow. She was a wonderful hairstylist who was outgoing and loved her work and her space.

I always find that there is something to be gained from any competition or exhibition. There were very few exhibitions that had no meaning to me. I was able to meet new people and communicate with good people through the exhibition. This is why I have been able to exhibit and produce art consistently for over 10 years.

​And the competition is over. I received the following email from the organization. Honestly, what I regret is that I did not receive the results of the judgment. This was found through the homepage. And because the scarecrow had already been removed before the day it was to be removed, I was never able to find my scarecrow again. When I went to the place suggested by the organizer, other scarecrows were thrown away like trash. Of course, it was not the day when it was announced to be abandoned. It is very unfortunate that environmental waste is displayed like this and then just thrown away. Was there really no way to recycle this? I think this is a waste. Also, the organizers' consideration is also disappointing. It would have been better if questions about the competition were also kindly answered. I think it would have been a very disappointing competition if I hadn't been able to meet the friendly hair salon owner through this competition. Anyway, I completed my participation in the competition safely and was able to keep the promise I made to myself and my children.

​In fact, it would not be easy to hold a competition like this every year as a local event. We hope to be able to prepare for the competition in a more enjoyable atmosphere next year.