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Fourth Annual Water is Life Art Contest Names Regional Winners

Four high school students from south central Minnesota were named semi-finalists in the fourth annual Water is Life Art Contest Wednesday at the Carnegie Art Center in Mankato. The contest is sponsored by the Freshwater Society of Minnesota in partnership with South Central Service Cooperative.

Bradley Johnson, Le Sueur-Henderson HS; Laura Marti, Loyola HS; Christine White, Mankato East HS; and Hannah Miller, Maple River HS were selected by a panel of artists, art educators, and Freshwater Society members. These semi-finalists will join other students from around the state to compete in the state competition at the Gray Freshwater Center on May 7 for scholarships totaling $3,000.

The winning submissions were chosen from 26 art pieces, representing 10 area schools. Participating schools included: Mankato East, Mankato West, Loyola, New Ulm, Maple River, Le Center, New Prague, Sibley East, Le Sueur-Henderson, and La Crescent.

This high school competition asks students to express their interpretation of the theme, “Water is Life,” through three-dimensional art form, photography, or flat surface drawing/painting. The Society offers three scholarships to students who find an artful way to express the importance and significance of water to the human condition. The contest theme is derived from the oil painting “Water is Life” by Les Kouba, renowned wildlife artist, to reflect the importance of fresh water on the natural world.

The 2008 judging panel consisted of Eric Ouren, professor of art at Bethany Lutheran College; Becky Carmody, artist, Carnegie Art Center Board President and gallery coordinator; Rosemary Froen, artist, graphic designer and Carnegie Art Center Board Treasurer; Richard G. Gray, founder of the Freshwater Society; Joan Nephew, Executive Director of the Freshwater Society; and Blyth Brookman, Education Committee chair- Freshwater Society Board of Directors

Last year's contest produced amazing art work which is currently on display in the North Corridor at the State Capitol and will be displayed at other events in the Metro area. The Water is Life Art Contest has been recognized by Governor Tim Pawlenty and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Educating citizens about the importance of freshwater resources has been the primary activity of the Society since its inception in 1968. The Society recognizes that art is a valuable tool to convey important messages and encourages senior high artists to communicate the significance, value, and beauty of water through their artwork.

For more information on this contest contact: Joyce Swenson, jswenson@mnscsc.org or 507-389-2461 or visit the Freshwater Society website: www.freshwater.org.