These Chicago-area elementary-age kids’ snowmen won the Sun-Times’ latest student art contest

This snowman artwork by Oliver K., 11, a fifth-grader at Maplebrook Elementary School in Naperville, is one of the winners of the Chicago Sun-Times’ latest student art contest. | Provided

Make us your best snowman — build one outdoors and photograph it, or create one with art.

That was the callout to Chicago-area kids for the latest Chicago Sun-Times art contest, part of what we call The Imagination Project.

Among the snowmen sent in, there was one on the moon (accompanied by a rocket and an alien). We got a snowman in love. A group of snowmen set against a backdrop of snowflakes and a rainbow. And, of course, a ninja snowman.

We’re showcasing the winning images and runners-up here from elementary school kids, those in prekindergarten through fifth grade, along with encouraging critiques from two professional artists: Cujo Dah and Hailey Losselyong. Middle school and high school winners will be unveiled next weekend.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WINNERS

Oliver K., 11 (art at top)

Fifth grade, Maplebrook Elementary School, Naperville

Cujo Dah: “This is like Lichtenstein, Van Gogh and Monet on one canvas, I’m floored.”

Hailey Losselyong: “The variety of textures is really cool! I think more snowmen should have triangular heads like this one.”

Charlotte O., 6

Kindergarten, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

A mixed-media snowman by Charlotte O., 6, who’s in kindergarten at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Cujo Dah: “I love the use of mixed media. The dimensions of the snowman and rendering of the snowflakes show the makings of a great artist.”

Hailey Losselyong: “I love the use of both 2-D and 3-D figures and how it pops off the page.”

Shatia D., 10

Fourth grade, Washington Elementary School, Elgin

A snowman in space by 10-year-old Shatia D., a fourth-grader at Washington Elementary School in Elgin.

Cujo Dah: “Clean, extremely thoughtful and very creative. This concept is way out of this world.”

Hailey Losselyong: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a snowman in space, so this is awesome and such a unique perspective.”

Violette K., 8

Second grade, Maplebrook Elementary School, Naperville

Artwork by Violette K., 8, a second-grader at Maplebrook Elementary School in Naperville.

Cujo Dah: “Watercolor-esque with a high-fashion edge. Who says a snowperson can’t have style? LOVE IT.”

Hailey Losselyong: “This snowman looks like it has superpowers. And I love the colorful beret.”

Sadhana S., 6

First grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

A snowman by Sadhana S., 6, a first-grader at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Cujo Dah: “This is a scene. A great story of an epic journey is taking place. Very well done.”

Hailey Losselyong: “Loving the texture in this snowman. Also loving these cute green houses — they’re adding the perfect pop of color.”

Yuv P., 9

Third grade, National Teachers Academy, Near South Side

Snowmen by Yuv P., 9, a third-grader at National Teachers Academy on the Near South Side.

Cujo Dah: “I love this one! It screams late ‘80s rap album cover! Absolutely amazing!!!”

Hailey Losselyong: “This is such a cool perspective. And it’s clear they all have different personalities.”

Alexandrya S., 7

Second grade, LaSalle Language Academy, North Side

Artwork by Alexandrya S., 7, a second-grader at LaSalle Language Academy on the North Side.

Cujo Dah: “Well, hellooo, oh, dapper Snowman! It might be winter, but love is definitely in the air with this one!”

Hailey Losselyong: “The characters and quick love story are cute and quirky!”

Eliette M., 5

Kindergarten, Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School, Oak Park

Snowpeople family by Eliette M., 5, who’s in kindergarten at Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School in Oak Park.

Cujo Dah: “This beautiful artwork reaffirms the importance of family. In solidarity, we hear you; we agree.”

Hailey Losselyong: “Loving the effect of paper on top of paper. Such a happy little family!”

Leanna Y., 8

Second grade, Hilltop Elementary School, Elgin

Artwork by Leanna Y., 8, a second-grader at Hilltop Elementary School in Elgin.

Cujo Dah: “Bold design, confident lines, rich textures, This is ART!”

Hailey Losselyong: “This snowman is large and in charge. The green is the perfect little pop of color!”

Maelyn S., 7

First grade, Latin School of Chicago

Maelyn S., 7, a first-grader at the Latin School of Chicago.

Cujo Dah: “This diorama/installation could (should) be in the MCA! Very contemporary. Very classy.”

Hailey Losselyong: “Really went the extra mile with the figures and creating this 3D scene. So creative!”

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RUNNERS-UP

Ira P., 8

Second grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

A real-life snowman by Ira P., 8, a second-grader at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Isabella B., 8

Third grade, Hibbard Elementary School, Albany Park

A trio of snowmen by Isabella B., 8, a third-grader at Hibbard Elementary School in Albany Park.

Santiago E., 7

Second grade, Hammond Elementary School, Little Village

A little snowman by Santiago E., 7, a second-grader at Hammond Elementary School in Little Village.

Lucia L., 7

First grade, Mount Greenwood Elementary School, Far Southwest Side

Cool-dude snowman by Lucia L., 7, a first-grader at Mount Greenwood Elementary School on the Far Southwest Side.

Maximilian K., 10

Fourth grade, Hilltop Elementary School, Elgin

A sporty snowman by Maximilian K., 10, a fourth-grader at Hilltop Elementary School in Elgin.

Hrishika S.R., 7

Second grade, Beebe Elementary School, Naperville

Artwork by Hrishika S.R., 7, a second-grader at Beebe Elementary School in Naperville.

Kingston B., 8

Third-grader, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

Drawing by Kingston B., 8, a third-grader at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Laniya G., 6

Kindergarten, Ashburn Community School, South Side

Artwork by Laniya G., 6, who’s in kindergarten at Ashburn Community School on the South Side.

Mia Z., 10

Fourth grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

This cute little snowperson was done by Mia Z., 10, a 4th grader at the South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Vihaan S., 8

Second grade, Hilltop Elementary School, Elgin

Ninja snowman by Vihaan S., 8, a second-grader at Hilltop Elementary School in Elgin.

Robin L., 8

Second grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

A little snowperson by Robin L., 8, a second-grader at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Miriam R., 5

Kindergarten, Wildwood Elementary School, Far Northwest Side

Artwork by Miriam R., 5, who’s in kindergarten at Wildwood Elementary School on the Far Northwest Side.

Whitman G., 7

First grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

Artwork by Whitman G., 7, a first-grader at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Maxwell C., 6, & Abigail C., 7

Kindergarten and second grade, Pulaski International School, Bucktown

Snow characters by siblings Maxwell C., 6, who’s in kindergarten, and Abigail C., 7, a second-grader, both at Pulaski International School in Bucktown.

Marlo C., 5, & Hadley C., 6

Prekindergarten and first grade, Swift Elementary School, Edgewater

Siblings Marlo C., 5 (left), who’s in prekindergarten, and Hadley C., 6, a first-grader, both at at Swift Elementary School in Edgewater, with their snow creation.

Cynthia D., 6

Kindergarten, Avoca West Elementary School, Glenview

Artwork by Cynthia D., 6, who’s in kindergarten at Avoca West Elementary School in Glenview.

Aadheya D., 7

First grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

A happy snowman by Aadheya D., 7, a first-grader at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Eshaan S., 9

Fourth grade, Hilltop Elementary School, Elgin

Artwork by Eshaan S., 9, a fourth-grader at Hilltop Elementary School in Elgin.

Matthew S., 8

Third grade, Hale Elementary School, Clearing

Matthew S., 8, a third-grader at Hale Elementary School in Clearing, with his snowman.

Ryker C., 6

First grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

A snowman scene by Ryker C., 6, a first-grader at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Ellasyn L., 8

Third-grader, home-schooled

Snowman art by Ellasyn L., 8, a third-grader who is home-schooled.

Prisha T., 6

First grade, Skinner West Elementary School, West Loop

Artwork by Prisha T., 6, a first-grader at Skinner West Elementary School in the West Loop.

Jezabel F., 9

Fourth grade, Hammond Elementary School, Little Village

A dazzling snowman by Jezabel F., 9, a fourth-grader at Hammond Elementary School in Little Village.

April R., 6

First grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

Artwork by April R., 6, a first-grader at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Ariana T., 7

Second grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

Snowman adorned with flowers by Ariana T., 7, a second-grader at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Ella B., 5

Prekindergarten, Kiddie Kampus, New Lenox

A little snowman family by Ella B., 5, who’s in prekindergarten at the Kiddie Kampus in New Lenox.

Reilly R., 7

First grade, Mount Greenwood Elementary School, Far Southwest Side

A Star Wars snowman, by Reilly R., 7, a first-grader at Mount Greenwood Elementary School on the Far Southwest Side.

Colette C., 6

First grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

Artwork by Colette C., 6, a first-grader at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Vikram K., 8

Third grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

A Chicago snowman by Vikram K., 8, a third-grader at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Harper P., 9

Third grade, Hanover Countryside Elementary School, Streamwood

Topsy-turvy snowman by Harper P., 9, a third-grader at Hanover Countryside Elementary School in Streamwood.

Emma K., 6

Kindergarten, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

A purple-hatted little snowman by Emma K., who’s in kindergarten at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Michelle H., 9

Fourth grade, South Loop Elementary School, Chicago

Snowman with a view by Michelle H., 9, a fourth-grader at South Loop Elementary School in Chicago.

Zaid T., 9

Fourth grade, Hilltop Elementary School, Elgin

Traveling snowpeople by Zaid T., 9, a fourth-grader at Hilltop Elementary School in Elgin.

Eden M., 9

Third grade, Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School, Oak Park

Tropical snowman by Eden M., 9, a third-grader at Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School in Oak Park.