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A beautiful piece with an environmental message, that is. A mermaid and a fish were two of the five winning sculptures at the sixth annual “Rethink Recycling” Sculpture Contest, hosted by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) on November 16th. The art event marked MDE’s celebration of America Recycles Day (ARD), an annual event recognized nationally on November 15th. ARD unites business, environmental and civic groups, and local, state, and federal government agencies to promote recycling, reduce product use at its source, and purchase products made from recycled materials as a means to a more sustainable society.
The Sculpture Contest challenges students to innovatively and artistically use old and discarded materials in the creation of sculptures. A total of 43 entries from 10 different high schools across the State contained everything from tires, milk jugs, chicken wire, and playing cards to computer parts, and more. Colby Nguyen’s sculpture of “Play It Again Sam” made of metal, bottles, cans, milk jug, cardboard, and a chair won $500 gift card to Best Buy. Nguyen is a student at Broadneck High School.
Without a doubt, the most difficult job of the day was selecting winners from so many outstanding creative entries. MDE thanks its volunteer judges:
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Mr. John Habercam, retired art teacher from Chesapeake High School in Anne Arundel County;
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Ms. Megan Viar, a former Rethink Recycling Sculpture Contest winner and current student at the Maryland Institute College of Art; and
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Ms. Elizabeth Grimaldis, a retired art coordinator for Anne Arundel County Schools
Congratulations to the winners:
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Creativity: Tim Miller of Northern High School
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Workmanship: Faith Kiesslinh of Carver Center for Arts & Technology
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Use of Materials: Chris Barger, Shelby Lynn, Jennifer Johnson, and Melissa Meade of Glen Burnie HS
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Peoples' Choice: Ariel Uhlij and Lyndsay Morgan of South Carroll HS
Each winner received an IPod Docking Station.
“This event is a fun, great way to bring attention to recycling and source reduction and their relevance in today’s world of rising fuel prices and global warming,” Secretary Shari T. Wilson said. “After attending a contest like this, it would be hard to look at discarded items or trash in the same way again.”
Prizes and refreshments for this year’s recycled art event were donated by: The Maryland Beverage Association, Soap and Detergent Association, Maryland Recyclers Coalition, Allied Waste Services, Harford County Office of Recycling, Panasonic, Sharp Electronics Corporation, Constellation Energy, Best Buy, and Whole Foods. Click here to find out what you can do to reduce, reuse, recycle and buy recycled products.
Remember when it comes to recycling, “It All Comes Back To You.”
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