"Water is Life" Art Contest

2006 “Water is Life” Scholarship Art Contest

April 19, 2006 the Freshwater Society, on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, was host to the second annual state “Water is Life” scholarship art contest. Nineteen semi-finalists from south central, south east and the western metro areas of Minnesota competed for $3,000 in scholarships. This art contest is sponsored by the Freshwater Society of Minnesota in partnership with these service cooperatives.

The semi-finalist art entries were outstanding, and the judging criteria specific. Entries focused on the theme “Water is Life” through conservation, degradation and contamination, and futuristic resourcefulness. Art media included sculpture, photographs and flat surface art. All semi-finalists were recognized for their participation in the event with a framed certificate of participation, a trophy, and a small scholarship. The semifinalists and their entries were introduced followed by the reading the artist’s statement visioning the theme “Water is Life”.

The three state $1,000 scholarship winners are:

• Phong Nguyen – Austin High School – Mr. Loeschen, Art Instructor
• Kara Streeter – Sibley East High School – Kathleen Nerud, Art Instructor
• Abram Perez – Austin High School – Mr. Loeschen, Art Instructor
  

This year’s award winning artwork, along with the 2005 scholarship recipients, will be on display at the State Capitol, the Pollution Control Agency, and many other public venues throughout the state in the months to come.

Congratulations are also extended to the seven south central semi-finalists who were chosen from a pool of 34 art pieces representing nine area schools: Kele Lukes & Amber Trimbo – Le Sueur-Henderson HS; Karissa Neubarth & Kara Streeter – Sibley East HS-Arlington; Leslie Lloyd & Ashley Riemann – Maple River HS; and Eydie Kramer – St. Peter HS. These students were chosen at the regional competition hosted by the Carnegie Art Center in Mankato on April 12, 2006.

The Freshwater Society, founded in 1968, is dedicated to promoting the protection and rational management of all freshwater resources. The Society achieves its mission through educating learners at all levels on the vital role of fresh water and providing a public information and collaboration function for organizations affiliated with freshwater issues.

For more information:
please visit: www.mnscsc.org, www.freshwater.org, or contact Joyce Swenson @ 507-389-2461, jswenson@mnscsc.org, or Jeanne Prok @ 952-472-3540, Jeanne@freshwater.org.