Contest winners turn trash into recycled art

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In order to celebrate Earth Day 2011, Recycling Association of Maricopa (RAM) and its director Gina D’Abella, in partnership with Environmental Concerns Organization, Inc. sponsored a recycled art contest to encourage residents to recycle trash instead of throwing it away.

Objects submitted were judged in student, adult and group categories, as well as one Best of Show award.

Lloyd Clark took “Best in Show.” He used soda cans, cardboard, plywood and a hanger to create his “Airplane.”

The adult category winner was Nancy Smith, who created a “Pop Can Cow Magnet” with a soda can, paper, a magnet and felt. In the student category Dexter Hawley, a kindergarten student at Santa Cruz Elementary School,won for “Robot,” which he crafted with paper, cardboard and soda cans.

Kids of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Library in grades 1-7, under the direction of librarian Jeffrey Stoffer, won for the best group project again this year. They utilized newspaper and wood to create a 51-inch “Recycling Container.”

Judging criteria included recycling content, artistic style, creativity and artistic impression. Emphasis was on a good use of mixed media and post-consumer materials combined with color and graphic elements presented in an original manner reflecting effort on the part of the entrant(s).

Each category’s winners received a certificate of accomplishment and gift cards from local participating businesses. Contest sponsors were the Shops at Stage Stop Marketplace:  Cotton Blossom Flower Shoppe, First Lady Fashion Boutique, Game Stop, Desert Star Gymnastics & Sports, Premium Perfume Oils, Barajas and Lavida Hair Boutique.

Submitted photo