Sister Cities International recently announced the winners and finalists of the 2015 Young Artists and Authors Showcase. Several young people from Suffolk were among the finalists.

The 2015 Showcase encouraged youth to submit entries inspired by the theme “Connecting Communities for Peace and Prosperity.” Young artists, authors and filmmakers shared their vision of peace and expressed how connecting globally allows them and their communities to prosper.

The 2015 Young Artists Showcase (U.S.) Grand Prize winner was Ainsley Holbura from Scottsdale, Ariz., for her artwork titled “Making Connections.” Finalists included Maia Micou, of Suffolk.

The 2015 Young Artists Showcase (International) Grand Prize winner was Kanako Onishi from Yao, Japan for artwork titled “The Peaceful Connection.”

The 2015 Young Authors Showcase (Essay) Grand Prize winner is Beibhinn Cullen from Tullamore, Ireland, for her work titled “Connecting Communities for Peace and Prosperity.” Finalists included John Ramlogan, of Suffolk.

The 2015 Young Authors Showcase (Poetry) Grand Prize winner was Nathen Spitz, of Osage, Iowa, for his work titled “A World Like No One Has Known.” Finalists included Delaney Taylor, of Suffolk.

The winners’ and finalists’ work will be on display at Sister Cities International’s 2015 Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minn., July 16-18. Following the Conference, the artwork will go on a tour to several cities across the United States.