Niamh Breault wins Mother’s Day artwork contest

ASHLAND – Ashland High School senior Niamh Breault’s creativity flowed easily onto the page as she painted a watercolor piece depicting flowers and a bumblebee.

She completed her painting during a National Art Honor Society meeting this spring, when students were tasked with creating artwork to be featured as part of the Mother’s Day Card Initiative of the Women’s Fund of Ashland County Community Foundation. Just half an hour after the workshop began, Breault’s piece was already on the drying rack, and it was a standout.

The Women’s Fund Steering Committee chose the piece from more than two dozen entries, and committee member Connie Marble presented Breault with a letter and certificate of appreciation as well as a gift card as a thank you for her winning submission.

Each year at Mother’s Day, the Women’s Fund of Ashland County Community Foundation invites donors and community members to honor or remember special women in their lives with a gift to the Women’s Fund.

During the initiative period, donors can make a contribution in any amount and designate one or more honorees. Then the Women’s Fund sends a card to the women being honored, or the families of the women being remembered, the week of Mother’s Day.

Breault’s artwork was printed on more than 300 cards for this year’s Mother’s Day Card Initiative. Donations made to the Women’s Fund as part of the initiative totaled $17,502.

“We are so grateful to Niamh and to all the students who submitted designs for the Mother’s Day Cards,” said Kristin Aspin, Chief Program Officer at Ashland County Community Foundation. “This partnership with Ashland High School generated new energy for an initiative that has become an annual tradition for many Ashland County families.”

Breault has been active in the visual arts throughout her time at Ashland High School, and her artistic journey will continue beyond graduation. She plans to attend Bowling Green State University in the fall to study studio art.

About Ashland County Community Foundation: Ashland County Community Foundation advances philanthropy and improves the quality of life in Ashland County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. ACCF has awarded over $25 million in scholarships, grants and distributions.

About the Women’s Fund: The Women’s Fund is a permanently endowed fund held at Ashland County Community Foundation and managed by the Women’s Fund Steering Committee. Annual fund distributions are used to make grants and provide scholarships that build community among women, promote women’s advancement and strengthen Ashland County women.

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