Participating school districts
-Hamilton
-Middletown
-Queen of Peace
-Ross
-St. Joseph Consolidated
-Talawanda
HAMILTON — One man’s trash, is another man’s treasure — or at least it makes for a fun art project.
More than 400 Butler County elementary students have created sculptures out of household trash and recyclables as part of the annual Recycled Sculpture Contest hosted by Butler County Recycling and Solid Waste District.
The top 20 sculptures are currently on display at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts.
“It teaches children the importance of recycling and reusing,” said Dusty Dunaway, public relations coordinator for the county.
The local judges — Fitton Center representatives Cathy Mayhugh, director of exhibitions, Henry Cepluch, director of arts in common, and Neil Simak, pottery instructor; and Susan E. Vance, of Butler County Water and Sewer — will announce the winners from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the center.
“This is always one of our favorite collaborations because we do get lots of visitors that evening, around 150,” Mayhugh said. “It’s a good way to introduce families to the Fitton Center.”
Mayhugh said the event also acts as a Halloween party, with the students donning their costumes.
The top three students will get a $25 savings bond. The top six finishers receive pop can trophies by Boss Awards and traveling trophies by artist Dennis Baker to display at their school. The top 20 winners receive T-shirts.
This is the 24th year for the contest, which is judged on artistic expression and the creative use of trash, recycled and reusable materials.
Mayhugh said the contest aligns well with the Fitton Center’s mission of “Building community excellence through arts and cultures,” because it teaches the children about recycling and the process of making sculpture.
Past sculptures have included a snake made of compact discs and an old washtub filled with water and floating items.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179 or hpoturalski@coxohio.com.
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