Call for Entries, First Scrap Art Sculpture Contest at Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, (860) 572-5955

Press release

You may want to think twice before you throw that item in the recycling bin. Instead, think of reusable items as artistic inspiration! Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is holding its first-ever scrap art sculpture contest and is seeking marine-themed art created from recycled materials. Established and budding artists alike may submit their creations through April 17.

Guests during the aquarium’s Earth Day Celebration on April 18 and 19 will select the winner, who will be announced at 5 p.m. on the 19th. The winner will receive a trophy and behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium, which includes a guided tour of the campus, access to a private touch tank, reptile encounter and stops at the top of the Coral Reef exhibit, food prep kitchen and freezer and an animal exam room.

The idea for this contest came from the Youth Leadership Council, a group of high school students who serve as ambassadors for the aquarium and its public conservation programs.

“Over the past few years, aquarium guests and local residents have become increasingly involved in our many conservation projects, and the Youth Leadership Council wanted to build on this trend,” said MaryEllen Mateleska, instructor and public conservation programs manager at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. “This contest is a great way to engage our guests in our annual Earth Day Celebration and get everyone thinking about creative ways items can be reused in the house and beyond.”

All submitted sculptures must consist of at least 75 percent reusable goods, and those goods must be cleaned prior to use. The sculpture should be no larger than 30 inches long by 30 inches wide by 60 inches tall and no heavier than 25 pounds. The work must stand on its own.

This contest is open to individuals and groups of up to 15 of all ages. All art submissions must be brought to the aquarium between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on April 17.

For additional rules and more information, visit mysticaquarium.org, “Fun & Learning, Spring Programs for Families.” All participants must register to exhibit their art by e-mailing educationinfo@mysticaquarium.org by April 10.

About Sea Research Foundation, Inc.:
Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Presents are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit, charitable organization incorporated in the State of Connecticut . The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration.