The art of origami requires skill, patience, planning and creativity; all of which are things both York Electric and member Ali Abdul-Karim practice and know well. Since the age of 5, 12-year-old Ali has been drawn to combining his passion for mathematics and art through origami. His parents, Tanwir Abdul-Karim and Khalilah Thomas, explain, “Ali loves geometry, so the planning and measuring required to create origami makes it a perfect art form for him.”
Ali’s mathematical precision is especially evident in his origami snake. This piece, made up of hundreds of blue and green pieces of intricately folded paper woven together, showcases the young artist’s dedication and skill in his craft.
Ali says, “I’m really proud of my snake, because it took me so long to create. My favorite piece, though, is my red origami spider. That one was challenging and fun to make.”
When asked of his plans for the future, Ali explains that he would like to share his love for the paper folding art form with others through a YouTube channel or online shop. Wherever his path takes him, we can be sure to expect something creative.
The power of community is magnetic!
For one year, Jiada Nguyen’s art will ride along with YEC employees. Each cooperative vehicle, large and small, is now equipped with a magnetic bumper sticker of Nguyen’s rendition of what we can accomplish if we work together as a team.
Nguyen, a student at Banks Trail Middle School in Fort Mill, was named the winner of YEC’s first annual Co-op Magnet Design Challenge for middle schoolers ages 11–14. She won $50 and the chance to display her art until June 2022 on all YEC vehicles. Her design showcased this year’s theme, “The Power of Community.”
Community is at the heart of YEC, and we are proud to enlist the help of young artists to spread our message. Whether we are empowering young artists like Nguyen, giving back, or improving the quality of life for members, we are dedicated to the communities and members we serve.
When asked what the image meant to her, Nguyen says “We’re powerful together.” We couldn’t have said it any better.
Interested in participating next year? Visit YEC’s Learn With Art page for more information!
Teachers, start gathering your BRIGHT IDEAS!
Interested in earning up to $1,000 to support an innovative idea for your classroom? Applications are now being accepted for the third annual Bright Ideas Grant program funded by York Electric Cooperative and YEC’s Operation Round Up program.
Visit yorkelectric.net/bright-ideas to complete your application! The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, September 15, 2021.