The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered Species Coalition, Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Ogden Museum of Southern Art/University of New Orleans have announced the winners of the 2012 Endangered Species Day Youth Art Contest. This year’s grand prize was awarded to 11-year-old Sky Waters, a fifth-grader from Eagan, Minnesota. Waters was awarded grand prize for his drawing of a woodland caribou. “The level of quality and record number of submissions from over 2,100 immensely talented children across the country is inspiring,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “Through art, students are using their imaginations and learning about threatened and endangered species. This creates an enthusiasm for wildlife, instilling a love for nature and the desire to learn how to protect it.” Many artists throughout the country entered into the annual contest. Four first place winners in grade categories were also announced, three first place winners were from California and the other from Louisiana. The winners were chosen by various artists, photographers, scientists and conservationists which included Wyland, the marine artist; Jack Hanna, host of Jack Hanna’s Intro the Wild; David Littschwager, a freelance photographer and contributor to National Geographic Magazine; Susan Middletown, a photographer; and Tom Sachs, whose work is found in major museums worldwide. Sky will be honored at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Congressional Reception in Washington, D.C. on May 9, 2012, and will have his name engraved on a special trophy. Waters will also receive an art lesson from Wyland, a plaque and art supplies. The four first place winners will receive a plaque and art supplies as well. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had also sponsored a Minnesota Youth Art Contest this year that focused exclusively on species in Minnesota. This art contest will be judged May 9 and the winners will be announced the following week.
Tag(s): News