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Entries Wanted for Atlantic County's 2nd Annual Recycled Art Contest

Feb 19, 2016

The Atlantic County Utilities Authority, in partnership with the Atlantic County Library System and the Hamilton Mall, will hold its 2nd Annual County-Wide Recycled Art Contest this spring. The contest challenges participants to use material that would be destined for the recycling bin or trash can to create unique pieces of art. The goal is to heighten awareness and commitment to recycling, reuse, waste and litter reduction. 

“Our residents are pretty savvy, and for most, recycling has become second nature,” said ACUA president Rick Dovey. “This contest is a fun way to bring attention to recycling while showcasing the creativity expressed by Atlantic County residents through their art.”

The contest is open to residents of Atlantic County and winners will be chosen in four age categories: 8 and under, 9 to 12, 13 to 17 and 18 and up. Entry forms and artwork must be received between February 1 and April 1 at one of the following Atlantic County Library System branches: Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, Hammonton or Mays Landing.  Entries will be displayed at the branches for public voting between April 2 and 9.  Based on votes from library patrons and visitors during that week, there will be a “People’s Choice” winner named at each branch.

“We were looking for a way to build on the success of last year’s New Jersey Makers Day events at the library branches,” explained Bev Bird, Community Relations Manager for the Atlantic County Library System. Last year, each branch provided STEM, STEAM and DIY-based programming and workshops. These all-ages events were created for anyone interested in learning, creating, building and designing.

“In addition to these popular workshops, we were considering a contest that would encourage this kind of creative thinking and design. We were so pleased to be able to connect with ACUA and work together to expand the reach and exposure for participants,” Bird noted. This year’s Makers Day events will be held on March 18 and March 19. In addition to activities planned, people will get to see examples of last year’s Recycled Art Contest submissions and get inspired at the four branches that will be hosting the artwork. For information about Makers Day events at county library system locations, visit the library website www.atlanticlibrary.org.

Following the “People’s Choice” voting and awards, entries from the four library branches will be moved to ACUA for judging and display.  Winners will be announced and all artwork entered will be on display at the ACUA’s 26th Annual Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 24.

“Earth Day is a lot of fun, but it’s also an educational opportunity and we hope this contest will provide another avenue to reinforce the importance of recycling and other “green” and sustainable practices,” Dovey explained. “While the contest is open to everyone, we had great participation in the art contest from local schools last year. The contest offers a platform for students to showcase their creativity and resourcefulness while raising awareness about recycling and the waste that we produce.”

All participants, along with their families and friends, are encouraged to attend the ACUA’s Earth Day event.

Select entries will then be displayed at the Hamilton Mall from May 1 to June 1.

“The Hamilton Mall is excited about showcasing some of the work created by local artists for the Recycled Art Contest,” said Vivian Mannino, who handles short term leasing at the mall. We’re pleased to be able to provide a great space with high visibility for this creative, environmental initiative.”

The contest rules and entry forms are enclosed and can also be found online at www.acua.com/artcontest. Questions or comments can also be emailed to artcontest@acua.com or answered by calling (609) 272-6950.