As part of its America Recycles Day celebration, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) recognized winners of the 2023 Atlantic County Recycled Art Contest with an awards ceremony and art exhibit on Saturday, November 18.
The Recycled Art Contest, now in its 9th year, encourages people to create unique pieces of art from materials they would normally toss in the trash or recycling bin.
“The contest heightens awareness about the waste we generate and sparks thinking about recycling, reuse, waste and litter reduction,” ACUA President Matt DeNafo explained. “The entries were incredible and reflect the creativity of the participating artists,” DeNafo added.
The annual contest is open to all residents of Atlantic County. Winners are selected in four age categories and one group category:
8 & younger
First Daniel Maldonado-Kuzmich Volcanic Wonder
Second Annalise Isom Ice Cream
Third Arryq Buss Wall-E Recreated
Honorable Mention Leo Martinez JuJu Smith
9-13
First Erika Resmerowski Mama Goose
Second Iyanuoluwa Ayannusi Lion of Judah
Third Jared Dennis Fernando the Flamingo
Honorable Mention Mileska Santiago-Curi Wire Face
Honorable Mention Belinda Santana-Rodriguez Wire Face
14-18
First Connor Bald Tin Can Cat
Second Thomas Capobianco Double Bacon Cheeseburger
Third Jahnae Spoltore The Spider
Honorable Mention Vera Huff Colorwheel: Reimagined
Honorable Mention Adrianna Fodera Angulina Jolie
Special Recognition Cadence Warren Bearded Dragon
19+
First Eduardo Jimenez Pizza Box Octopus on Balloons
Second Elizabeth Wade Steam Punk Burd
Third Arline Boyce We Need You God
Honorable Mention Laurel Leigh Fishing + Beer = My Happiness
Group
First Elena and Grace Ware Oh, How the Tides Turn
Second Washington Avenue 4th grade class Forest
Third Washington Avenue Kindergarten & 1st Guyton Inspired Neighborhood
Honorable Mention Washington Avenue Kindergarten & 1st Autumn Tree
The contest is offered in partnership with the Atlantic County Library System, which accepts submissions at their branches. Artwork was displayed at local libraries during the month of October.
“The libraries are a key part of the contest, and we really appreciate their participation. It’s convenient for people to submit artwork close to their homes and for library patrons to enjoy the art before it comes to the ACUA,” Communications Manager Amy Menzel noted. “We’ve also expanded drop-off locations to include libraries outside the county system.” Additional libraries include the Linwood Library, the Otto Bruyns Library in Northfield and libraries at Stockton University and Atlantic Cape Community College.
The art exhibition and awards were part of a full afternoon of recycling related activities at the ACUA’s Environmental Park in Egg Harbor Township, including family friendly crafts, games, facility tours, Touch- a-Truck and more.
For more information about the contest and America Recycles Day at ACUA visit acua.com.
More photos are available online at https://www.acua.com/artcontest.
