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Fifth Annual “Water is Life” Art Contest Names Regional Winners

Four high school students from south central Minnesota were named semi-finalists in the fifth annual “Water is Life” Art Contest on April 15 at the Carnegie Art Center in Mankato. The contest is sponsored by the Freshwater Society of Minnesota in partnership with South Central Service Cooperative.

Megan Chilman, Le Sueur-Henderson High School; Bradley Johnson, Le Sueur-Henderson High School; Hannah Miller, Maple River High School; Ciara Sandborg, Maple River High School 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 participate in the state competition at the Gray Freshwater Center on May 6 for scholarships totaling $3,000.

The winning submissions were chosen from 19 art pieces, representing six area schools. Participating schools this year were Cleveland Public High School, Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial High School, Le Sueur- Henderson High School, Loyola High School, Mankato West High School and Maple River High School.

This high school competition asks students to express their interpretation of the theme, “Water is Life,” through photography, 3-D medium, painting, drawing and short video. 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 2009 judging panel consisted of Juana Arias, The Black Lantern Studios; Becky Carmody, artist, Carnegie Art Center Board President and gallery coordinator; Rosemary Froen, artist, graphic designer and Carnegie Art Center Board Treasurer; and Jeanne Prok, Program Director - Freshwater Society.

Last year's contest produced amazing artwork that was displayed in the North Corridor at the State Capitol and 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, visit the South Central Service Cooperative website: www.mnscsc.org, or the Freshwater Society website: www.freshwater.org. Event Contact: Joyce Swenson, jswenson@mnscsc.org or 507-389-2461

 

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