RAM’s recycled art contest winners named

In order to celebrate Earth Day 2010, 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 in Show” award.

Kyle Gailey and Taylor Butler took “Best in Show.” They used plastic bottle caps, newspaper, aluminum can tabs, an exercise ball and a used tire to create “The Earth.”

The adult category winner was William Page, who created “The Flower” with aluminum cans.

Cassidy Bukovinsky won in the student category for “Indian Maiden,” which she crafted with an array of recycled items, including:  a Halloween costume, paper cups, newspaper, rags, a pony tail holder, cardboard, rope, cans, feathers, a balloon, a toilet paper roll, a tablecloth and metal.

Kids of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Library, under the direction of librarian Jeffrey Stoffer, won for the best group project. They utilized newspaper, paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and bags to create “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.”

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, including Baskin Robbins, Walmart and the new HQ Restaurant and Lounge.

Winning artwork will be displayed on a poster board in the lobby at the Maricopa Public Library during the month of May.

Submitted photos of all winners.