Oh, You Turkey contest winners

Our 45th annual contest brought out the young artists in the Twin Cities

December 18, 2023 at 1:00PM
The 2023 winners of the Star Tribune Oh, You Turkey contest photographed in the Star Tribune studio in Minneapolis, Minn. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. ] LEILA NAVIDI • leila.navidi@startribune.com
The 2023 Oh, You Turkey Contest winners showed multimedia skill. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

What does it take to be a winner? It takes a little creativity, a dash of determination, some crayons, colored pencils, maybe a glue stick or a sprinkling of glitter. The artistic winners of this year's Oh, You Turkey contest outdid themselves in all of the above. Many also added a pop of pop culture, with an homage to Taylor Swift.

Here the winners of the 45th annual contest:
0-4 years old

First place
Tenaya Dryer, 4, Richfield
Judges comments: Soft rainbow done in watercolor wash is stunningly beautiful.

Second place
Damian Martin, 2, Minneapolis
Judges comments: The use of the bingo dauber made for a joyous piece full of fun and energy.

Third place
Adriana Kucera, 3, Detroit Lakes
Judges comments: Exuberant painting combined with bold feathers and googly eyes made for a winner.

5-8 years old

First place
Madelyn Dixon, 8, Maple Grove
Judges comments: We receive many Taylor Swift-themed turkeys this year. Here, feathers are used creatively, there's skillful lettering, and it's very well drawn.

Second place
Harper Griebel, 8, Marshall
Judges comments: Stunning use of dots made for a show-stopping piece. Contrasting repetitions throughout unifies the design.

Third place
Reese Skorich, 5, St. Michael
Judges comments: Well done watercolor uses a beautiful, soft palette. Thoughtfully placed glittery touches complete it.

9-12 years old

First place
Brock Hansen, 12, Big Lake
Judges comments: Love the color palette, incredible detail and the use of white as highlights.

Second place
Kjerstin Fogo, 12, Eden Prairie
Judges comments: Skillfully painted feathers wowed the judges. Expressive eyes a thoughtful touch.

Third place
Elliott Leasure, 12, Rochester
Judges comments: Meticulous use of colored pencils wowed the judges. Crisscross patterns in flatware and the gradations in feathers are so good.

about the writer

about the writer

Connie Nelson

Senior editor

Connie Nelson is the senior editor for lifestyles for the Star Tribune. 

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