LPHS holds Noguchi writing contest

In honor of his life as a world-renowned sculptor, LaPorte High School is having the Isamu Noguchi Writing Contest.

The writing for the contest will be based on Noguchi’s life and inspired by his art. Writers may submit up to three entries per category-short story (any length), poetry (any form), and play. If any student is in need of inspiration, there is a display of Noguchi’s art and books about him in the LaPorte High School’s library.

The entries will be judged by a panel of LPHS English teachers based on three criteria: connection to the artist, writing style, and creativity. The cash prizes, totaling $1,000, will be awarded to the top three entries in each category.

Isamu Noguchi was born in Los Angeles, California in 1904. Early in his life, he traveled back and forth from Japan and the United States, and eventually stayed in Rolling Prairie, Indiana. Noguchi then began attending LaPorte High School, where he graduated in 1922 under the name of “Sam Gilmour” and began attending Columbia University.

In 1924, Noguchi followed his mother’s advice to take night classes at the Leonardo da Vinci Art School. The school’s head, Onorio Ruotolo, was immediately impressed by Noguchi’s work. Noguchi held his first exhibit only three months later, which consisted of a selection of plaster and terracotta works. He soon dropped out of Columbia University to pursue sculpture full-time, when he changed his name back to Noguchi.

“The art department did an event about Noguchi in the fall and this writing contest is a complement to that. There is an organization that really supports the artist and they are called ‘La Porte Friends of Noguchi.’ Together with the public library they have really promoted the artist since he is a graduate of LaPorte High School,” English teacher Brenda Cooper said.

Entries are due by April 14, 2022 at 3:00 p.m and must include name, grade, and category. Please contact Mrs. Cooper for submissions and any questions.