Elizabeth Brassard, Ella Cochran, Vanessa Ellerman and Hawkin Powers were recognized for their outstanding Holiday Card Art designs at a ceremony Tuesday afternoon. Thanks to everyone who entered and showing their #MiddletownRI holiday spirit.
HOLIDAY CARD ART WINNERS NAMED
MIDDLETOWN, RI (DECEMBER 17, 2025) – Multiple winners of the sixth annual Middletown Holiday Card Art Contest have been announced.
The designs of two local students — Gaudet Middle School sixth grader Hawkin Powers and eighth grader Ella Cochran — as well as adults Elizabeth Brassard and Vanessa Ellerman were picked for the Town of Middletown’s holiday cards.
There were 25 submissions for this year’s contest, which featured a “Winter Holiday In Middletown” theme.
In addition to being recognized during a ceremony Tuesday afternoon in Town Hall, each artist received a $25 gift card, framed print of their artwork and 12 blank cards featuring their artwork.
Town Councilor Peter Connerton was on hand to recognize the contest winners from the council chambers.
“I’ve said it before, but this is honestly one of my favorite activities of all we do on the council,” Connerton said. “Every year, it’s a challenge to name a winner and this is what makes Middletown such a special place for all of us.”
The town uses the designs to decorate the community’s holiday cards sent out every year to employees, volunteers, officials and others who help make Middletown a great place to live, work and play.
Hawkin’s “Santa’s Sleigh Over Second Beach” showcased a festive scene with Santa and his present-ladened red sleigh flying over a lifeguard stand through the snow.
Ella’s “Happy Holidays At Prescott Farm” had warm wishes for all around this time of year along with some happily decorated Christmas trees.
Brassard’s “Holiday Tree At Surfer’s End” offered a new look at the Mystery Tree that appears every season at the popular community gathering spot.
And Ellerman’s “A Visit From The Middletown Fire Department” provides a warm snapshot of another holiday tradition where Santa visits every neighborhood in town under the guidance of Middletown Firefighters Local 1933.
Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown thanked his administrative assistant Maureen Maurer for coordinating another successful card art contest.
“I look forward to seeing the submissions every year,” Brown said. “We have so many talented artists in Middletown and it’s always interesting to see how everyone interprets the theme. Another thing I’m really proud of is how we make our holiday card something that’s genuinely from our community, which is pretty unique in Rhode Island.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Card-Art-25
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Matt Sheley
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401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.gov