The Graphic Design and Fine Arts Department of Cabrini University hosted Art + Effect, its third annual poster contest for high school students. In October, students in grades 9–12 submitted conceptual posters designed to bring awareness to mental health issues. The department chose this year's theme due to the need to change the negative stigma that often surrounds mental health issues.
This year, Cabrini received an impressive 186 student entries from 20 high schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
"The Art+Effect Poster Contest is such a fantastic opportunity for high school students to be changemakers as they share their artistic talents and unique vision regarding societal issues," said Jeanne Komp, Chair and Professor, Graphic Design and Fine Arts. "It is exciting to see the level of creativity grow each year." 
On Sunday, Dec. 8, the "Judges' Choice Award" was presented to Domontaa Thomas from Hunterdon County Polytech and the remaining finalists' posters were revealed in the Grace and Joseph Gorevin Gallery.
The 2019 finalists include Elizabeth Bradley, Kendall Trumbore, and Lytton Tschoban (Perkiomen Valley High School); Saige Brelsford, Myia Smith, Domontaa Thomas, and Garrett Loescher (Hunterdon County Polytech); Marcel L. Cooper and Casey Rydel (Delaware County Technical High School); Ludmila Espinoza, Emilie Ortiz, and Kayli Pettit (The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush High School); Qaamir Johnson (Murrell Dobbins High School); and Tyler Waite and Rachel Sterling (Plymouth Whitemarsh High School).
All of the selected works will be displayed in an exhibition in the Gorevin Gallery through January 31, 2020.
Entries were judged on originality, craftsmanship, and thematic message by Colleen Kelley, graphic arts supervisor, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of PA; Scott Laserow, principal, Zc Creative; and Tom Whalen, illustrator, StrongStuff. From those submissions, the judges chose 15 finalists for the exhibition.
