Seventh Annual “Water is Life” Art Contest Focuses on Water Conservation
“Water is our most precious resource and conservation is necessary!” was the common theme April 14 when four high school students from south central Minnesota were named semi-finalists in the seventh annual “Water is Life” Art Contest at the Carnegie Art Center in Mankato. The contest is sponsored by the Freshwater Society of Minnesota in partnership with South Central Service Cooperative.
Erin Pfarr and Jolie Richter, Le Sueur-Henderson High School; Ciara Sandborg, Maple River High School; and Hannah Young, Montgomery-Lonsdale High School, were selected as semi-finalists by a panel of artists and art educators. They will join other students from around the state May 4 at the Gray Freshwater Center for the state competition to vie for scholarships totaling $3,000.
The entries received from five area schools: Cleveland Public High School, Le Sueur-Henderson High School, Maple River High School, Montgomery-Lonsdale High School and Sibley East High School, were evaluated by a panel of artists and art instructors. Judges were Juana Arias, Owner, The Black Lantern Studios; Becky Carmody, artist, Carnegie Art Center Board President and gallery coordinator; Hope Cook, art instructor, artist, printmaker and former gallery coordinator for the Carnegie Art Center; and Eric Ouren, art instructor, Bethany Lutheran College.
Area art instructors, Shannon Froehlich, Le Sueur-Henderson High School and Corrine Hammerschmidt, Maple River High School, were recognized for their active support of the “Water is Life” art program over the past seven years. Each year these instructors encouraged student participation by emphasizing the importance of using artistic expression to focus on the need for water conservation.
During the past six years of the contest, almost 1,500 pieces of art have been created by students and nearly $50,000 in scholarships and prizes has been awarded by the Freshwater Society. Tens of thousands of people have had the opportunity to view the art in prominent public venues including the north corridor of the State Capitol. The “Water is Life” exhibit provides a powerful message to Minnesota’s citizens and has been recognized by former Governor Tim Pawlenty and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Now, more than ever before, our freshwater resources are facing a crisis. The increase in human population, development and contamination of our water resources are creating a strain on our surface and ground waters. Conservation of these resources is the most efficient, economical and immediate tactic we have to ensure the sustainability of our freshwater resources for future generations.
Educating citizens about the importance of freshwater resources has been the primary activity of the Freshwater 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.