Each year, the PRCUA Fraternal Department organizes a coloring contest to commemorate Polish American Heritage Month. For the theme this year, we celebrated a national treasure, the Polish Museum of America, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Founded by the PRCUA and located in its building in Chicago, the PMA boasts a vast collection of artwork, publications, maps, photographs, and Polish memorabilia. Among the museum’s most cherished exhibits is the two-story tall Poland Reborn stained-glass window. The magnificent piece was crafted for the 1939 New York World’s Fair as part of the Polish Pavilion, but when Europe was gripped by war in September of that year, it became clear that bringing the exhibit back to Poland was impossible. In order to preserve the pieces of the Polish exhibit, the directors of the Polish Museum purchased nearly three quarters of the items in the collection, including the stained glass, which is now on permanent display in the museum’s Great Hall, just waiting for visitors to appreciate its beautiful composition and vibrant color. We asked our contestants for their interpretation of this stunning artwork… and they did not disappoint!

The contest was open to all members from ages 3 to 18 years.  We received nearly 300 entries from multiple states, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania. Three winners in seven age categories were selected during a blind judging by PRCUA Home Office employees. There were many beautiful entries, and our staff had some difficulty in choosing their favorites!

We wish to thank all the participants and congratulate the winners!

Winners are featured in the December edition of the Naród Polski newspaper.
(Scroll down for a gallery of winning designs)