An art competition in high schools throughout British Columbia inspired a strong creative response from students expressing their environmental views in honour of Earth Day.

High school artists representing 53 schools and 30 school districts across British Columbia submitted 250 works of art to Earthwise, a student Earth Day art competition offering $3,500 in prize money. The contest marks the first time that all B.C. high school students have been linked provincially to a single juried art show and competition.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, the competition attracted submissions from grades 9-12 students in public and private schools in communities large and small across the province. Submissions include paintings in acrylic, tempera, oil and watercolour, as well as works in coloured pencils, India ink, collage, computer art, silkscreen and photography.

The Arts Council of Surrey established a panel representing B.C.'s arts community to jury the student submissions. The panel identified first-, second- and third-place winners and 12 honourable mentions. In addition to the prize winners and honourable mentions, 49 students will receive certificates of achievement.

Prize Winners are:

First Prize - Thomas Nelles, Sullivan Heights Secondary school, $2,000

Second Prize - Shirley Liu, Steveston-London Secondary school, $1,000

Third Prize - Ju Young Lee, Langley Fine Arts school, $500

Quotes:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Ida Chong -

"Congratulations to all the great young British Columbia artists participating in Earthwise. You really made the project a success. Parents and teachers can be very proud of your ideas, energy and talent."

Marc Pelech, Surrey art teacher and competition/art show co-ordinator -

"I'm really impressed with the enthusiastic and creative response from students to this unique opportunity to express their ideas through art. I'm grateful to my colleagues - school administrators and teachers - who supported this project and encouraged their students to participate."

Learn More:

* Enjoy the top-juried art submitted by B.C. high school students to Earthwise, a 2011 Earth Day art show and competition, sponsored by the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at:http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/arts_culture/earthdayart/index.html

* Check out the provincial government's role in supporting artists, arts and cultural organizations through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

Contact:

Jeff Rud

Communications Director

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

250 953-3677

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect