NYU art student James Donovan recently won $1,000 courtesy of Manischewitz for his construction of the Washington Square Park Arch… out of Matzah. He told Campus J about his experience in a recent e-mail:

I received an e-mail about the event from Linda Vega, the Student Adviser in Stienhardt’s Art Department.
I was affiliated with the Bronfman Gallery already, and thought that it would be a great place to show some of my work. The Theme of the show was “Home and Away”. When I go home to my quiet town on the beach in New Jersey I can not help but refer to Washington Square as “home”. I knew right away that the Arch would be emblematic of my fondness for this culturally diverse area.
I had not confronted Judaism in my art prior to this contest, but this was a perfect way to blend religion, culture, and creativity.
When they announced my name I was shocked. My jaw went slack, and I couldn’t talk for a moment. I am truly elated to have won this money. It will go to further my education.

I would also like to thank my collaborators, Liz Wagner and Cody Cornellier.

Thank You
James Donovan

You can find his display and those of nine other semi-finalists on the first and second floors of the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at NYU, 7 E. 10th Street, through the end of the semester.