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.