Marine Art Contest for K-12 Students

Kids whose favorite artistic subjects are sharks and octopi can put their drawing and identification skills to good use in the Massachusetts Marine Educators’ Marine Art Contest!  Open to students in grades K-12, the contest is open to art related to or inspired by the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.  Located between Cape Ann and Cape Cod, the area is home to marine life from plankton to humpback whales!  The area is rich in artistic inspiration, and students can learn to identify coastal plant and animal life while working on artistic representations of the area.

We are far enough from the coast here in Western Massachusetts that the ocean is not often on the minds of our students.  The Atlantic is, however, fascinating and presents lots of unique opportunities for learning.  But when you can’t make it to the beach for a day of exploring, the next best substitute is a study of the area at home!  To prepare for the contest, search field guides to learn about plant and animal species, look over maps, track tide patterns, and understand the chemistry of salt water.

Submissions to the contest will be divided into five categories, and can be created in any 2D medium.  Due on April 25th, 2013, entries can be submitted online.  Winning pieces will be displayed on the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary website and used in the Massachusetts Marine Educators’ outreach programs. Download more info here: 2013 Marine Art Contest for K-12 Students.

[Photo credit: (ccl) Mark Peters]