Paul Mahinay wins UArizona's Contest with His Work "Connecting"
In a Facebook post presented by the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Lab last November 5, 2021, they announced that Mr. Paul Anton Mahinay, an artist and a Science teacher from the Junior High School department, had won this year’s “The Art of Planetary Science: Space Travel” contest with his work entitled “Connecting.”
His work was inspired by OSIRIS – REx Mission and Michelangelo’s painting in the Sistine Chapel. “The lower hand represents us in looking for the connection of life in the universe. While the hand on the upper part represents OSIRIS-REx and other space missions bringing data that will help us understand how planets and life began,” as quoted in the work’s description.
In an interview conducted last November 6, Mr. Mahinay said that he felt blessed, loved and thankful for the achievement and recognition.
“At first, I am not expecting to receive an award because there are hundreds of qualified participants coming from different states or countries. So, I set on my mind that I will just enjoy and learn from this experience,” he said.
He also said that his success was also because of the love and support of the PCC Community, his family, and friends.
“Also, I am thankful to God for giving me this talent that I can use in inspiring and educating other people about Science.” he added.
When asked on how the contest helped in encouraging and inspiring people to learn more about Science, Mr. Mahinay said that, “We always see Science in a logical way but this contest gave us a new perspective of Science. It emphasized the aesthetic side of studying Science which I found helpful to augment the interest of people in exploring it.”
The exhibit is annually conducted and aims to encourage people to embrace and showcase the beauty of Science.
Article by Valeriejoy Abaquita