Bloomington Environmental Commission’s Eighth Annual Eco-Heroes Art Contest Welcomes Submissions

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington’s Environmental Commission announces its annual Eco-Heroes art contest, inviting amateur artists of all ages to showcase their creativity and appreciation of the natural environment. This year’s theme -- “Lakes, Rivers, & Streams, Oh My!” -- encourages artists to learn about and present artistic pieces related to the role that water plays in our lives.

The Eco-Heroes contest is open to City of Bloomington residents of all ages, from pre-kindergarten to adult. First-, second-, and third-place winners will be selected in the following categories: pre-k to 2nd grade, 3rd to 5th grade, 6th to 8th grade, 9th to 12th grade, and adult (18+). The contest also is open to all media, including 2D visual art (e.g. drawings, paintings, photographs), 3D visual art (e.g. sculptures, fiber, metal), digital media (e.g. graphic design, videos), performance art (e.g. songs, raps, sketches), and language art (e.g. essays, poems). Submissions that utilize recycled or reused material are highly encouraged. The popular contest drew over 90 submissions last year, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, quilts, and essays.

Entries should be submitted to the City’s Department of Planning & Transportation (City Hall, 401 N. Morton St., Suite 130) by 5:00 pm on Friday, April 5. Text or digital files should be emailed to both Kate Corcoran (cororak@bloomington.in.gov) and Erin Hatch (hatche@bloomington.in.gov). Submissions must include the artist’s name, grade (if applicable), school (if applicable) and contact information including telephone and email.

“We are fortunate to have numerous lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, rivers, and streams in Bloomington and Monroe County that provide drinking water, enable entertainment and adventure, support wildlife habitats, and connect us with nature,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “This art contest encourages us to tap into our creativity to develop a greater appreciation for our local ecosystem, and interact with it in sustainable ways.”   

Mayor Hamilton will present prizes and awards donated by local businesses during an awards ceremony after a two-week exhibition of all submissions. The Eco-Heroes award ceremony will take place Saturday, April 27 at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The Environmental Commission welcomes donations from local businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents to help sponsor the event.


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