Choosing the winners in this year’s Spokesman-Review Halloween coloring contest turned out to be quite the trick.

In the 4 and younger category, judges were impressed by Izabella Vezinanto’s creative use of found materials, Ellasynn Adams’ Picasso-like eye treatment and Parker Wirth’s bold exploration of deep winter colors.

Lydia Myers was the cat’s meow in the 5-to-7 age group with her fanciful feline version, while Lillian Rock’s psychedelic stylings and Mikey Rubertt’s leaf-adorned rendition also raked in votes.

And among the 8- to 12-year-olds, Maddie Kemink’s clever candy corn theme, Emma Watson’s nerdy math-head gourd and Leah Kunz’s soft, sponged acrylics stood out from the patch.

Each of the winners receives a gift certificate to Mobius Kids. All of the entries are on display at the children’s museum in the lower level of River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave.

– Rick Bonino, features editor