Nov 22, 2023
Mama Goose by Erika Resmeroski won first place in the 9 - 13 age category.
As part of its America Recycles Day celebration, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) recognized winners of the 2023 Atlantic County Recycled Art Contest with an awards ceremony and art exhibit on Saturday, November 18.
The Recycled Art Contest, now in its 9th year, encourages people to create unique pieces of art from materials they would normally toss in the trash or recycling bin.
“The contest heightens awareness about the waste we generate and sparks thinking about recycling, reuse, waste and litter reduction,” ACUA President Matt DeNafo explained. “The entries were incredible and reflect the creativity of the participating artists,” DeNafo added.
The annual contest is open to all residents of Atlantic County. Winners are selected in four age categories and one group category:
8 & Younger Category:
First - Volcanic Wonder by Daniel Maldonado-Kuzmich
Second - Ice Cream by Annalise Isom
Third - Wall-E Recreated by Arryq Buss
Honorable Mention - JuJu Smith by Leo Martinez
9 - 13 Category
First - Mama Goose by Erika Resmerowski
Second - Lion of Judah by Iyanuoluwa Ayannusi
Third - Fernando the Flamingo by Jared Dennis
Honorable Mention - Wire Face by Belinda Santana-Rodriguez
Honorable Mention - Wire Face by Mileska Santiago-Curi
14 - 18 Category
First - Tin Can Cat by Connor Bald
Second - Double Bacon Cheeseburger by Thomas Capobianco
Third - The Spider by Jahnae Spoltore
Honorable Mention - Colorwheel Reimagined by Vera Huff
Honorable Mention - Wire Face by Mileska Santiago-Curi
Special Recognition - Bearded Dragon by Cadence Warren
19 + Category
First - Pizza Box Octopus on Balloons
Second - Steam Punk Burd by Elizabeth Wade
Third - We Need You God by Arline Boyce
Honorable Mention - Fishing + Beer = My Happiness by Laurel Leigh
Group Category
First - Oh, How the Tides Turn by Elena and Grace Ware
Second - Forest by Washington Avenue 4th Grade Class
Third - Guyton Inspired Neighborhood by Washington Avenue Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Honorable Mention - Autumn Tree by Washington Avenue Kindergarten & 1st Grade
The contest is offered in partnership with the Atlantic County Library System, which accepts submissions at their branches. Artwork was displayed at local libraries during the month of October.
“The libraries are a key part of the contest, and we really appreciate their participation. It’s convenient for people to submit artwork close to their homes and for library patrons to enjoy the art before it comes to the ACUA,” Communications Manager Amy Menzel noted. “We’ve also expanded drop-off locations to include libraries outside the county system.”
Additional libraries include the Linwood Library, the Otto Bruyns Library in Northfield and libraries at Stockton University and Atlantic Cape Community College.
The art exhibition and awards were part of a full afternoon of recycling related activities at the ACUA’s Environmental Park in Egg Harbor Township, including family friendly crafts, games, facility tours, Touch- a-Truck and more.
Visit acua.com/artcontest to view a slideshow of all the winning entries.