(New Westminster, British Columbia) – New Westminster’s Annual Yam Jam Youth Arts Festival returns this June 5^th to Hyack Square. Not only will the event showcase the artistic talents of our youth but also will be introducing a new logo designed by New Westminster’s own Nadia Nachtigahl. Nadia was the winner of the Yam Jam logo design contest put on by the Arts Council of New Westminster, SD 40 Community Schools Program and The City of New Westminster Youth Services. As the winner of the contest Nadia had the opportunity to work with local branding agency Synergist Communications to put the finishing touches on her submission. Anna Zawada, Senior Designer at Synergist and Nadia enjoyed spending an afternoon discussing graphic design and working through design variations for the new Yam Jam logo.

“It is so great to see youth getting involved and excited about learning more about design. We are very fortunate to be able to help Nadia showcase her great talent to the City.” – Jeff Nixon, Synergist Communications

The new logo will be used on promotional items and as a component of the “set” design at Hyack Square created by members of Massey Theatre’s Youth Tech Club.

Name: Paul Charles
School: Connaught Heights
Grade: 5
Title of the illustration: Downtown New West
Description: What the biggest part of New West through my eyes.

Name: Platon Rybakov
School: John Robson Elementary School
Grade: 7
Title of the illustration: Spirits of New West and Downtown
Description: On this banner I have illustrated what represents New West and Downtown to me. The Hyack logo represents determination and cooperation. When I just came to Canada I noticed Canadian people were really determined and helpful. The tin solider, represents the role of a gentlemen. The clock represents punctuality. Canadians are always on time. 

Name: John Renzo Venturina
School: John Robson Elementary School
Grade: 7
Title of the illustration: Flying the Waves
Description: I mixed the places around in Downtown New West, the Army and Navy and the Quay and all the nice buildings. I have made the background the hour before sundown  and the reflections on the wave. I’ve always loved birds. I have been seeing lots of support to Canada because of the Olympics. I put a flag on the balcony.

Name: Diana Djaksigulova
School: John Robson Elementary School
Grade: 7
Title of the illustration: Fraser Rainbow
Description: For me, New Westminster serves as a perfect home. New Westminster is very colourful place. It’s warm and welcoming and filled with bright colours. In my picture, the salmon represents the culture and history of New Westminster. The multi-coloured water represents the heart-warming colours of this city. The flower-filled sky represents the beautiful environment the city offers.

Name: Harleen Gill
School: Connaught Heights
Grade: 6
Title of the illustration: A Royal Morning
Description: “A Royal Morning” is based on the “Royal City” and its sunrise. It shows the Downtown, friends, family, fun and the fresh ocean powder and the tall buildings. All of this is in New Westminster Downtown.

Name: Shaina Mae Naynes
School: John Robson Elementary School
Grade: 7
Title of the illustration: The Maple Leaf of New Westminster
Description: For this picture, I was thinking of the Canadian flag, so I drew the maple leaf and a tree behind it. I decide to colour the back blue because New Westminster always has good weather. The other reason I drew this picture is that whenever you go to New Westminster you can always see a maple leaf. I drew the blue building because there is a lot of buildings in New Westminster.

Name: Timothy Carlos
School: John Robson Elementary School
Grade: 7
Title of the illustration: Historical Greatness
Description: These are the three things that made New Westminster historical and memorable. Pattullo Bridge, Fraser River and the famous vintage cares of the old days. Around the illustration are waves that symbolizes the Fraser River. These three things are what made New Westminster what it is today, a place full of history and great times.