Media Release

​ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – On Tuesday, April 26, 2016, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners will recognize those students selected as winners in the County's third annual "Saving My Alachua" Environmental Art Contest. Winners from each grade will be recognized at the Commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting which begins promptly at 5 p.m. in the Jack Durrance Auditorium (Room 209) on the second floor of the Alachua County Administration Building (12 S.E. 1st Street, downtown Gainesville).

The contest was open to all K-12 students in Alachua County, including homeschoolers, and encourages students to create artwork depicting their passion for the environment. Their artwork addressed many environmental topics including water conservation, stormwater pollution, natural habitat protection, wilderness and wildlife protection, and proper disposal of toxic waste. Ribbons are awarded for the first, second, and third place in each k-8th grade category, and a High School category. Selected winners will be featured in the 2017 Saving My Alachua Calendar, which will also contain tips on protecting the environment.

“It is inspiring to observe the environmental awareness of our community’s emerging citizen artists,” said Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Director Chris Bird. “Their work honestly and simply communicates environmental themes that are often confused by scientific jargon and distorted by political rhetoric.”

The artwork is on display in the hallways of the second floor of the County Administration Building outside the Commission Chamber through the month of April.

The meeting is televised on Cox Channel 12, or the County’s Video on Demand website.

View the contest flier and entry form.

Visit the Saving My Alachua Art Contest Facebook page.

For more information, contact Eliana Bardi at 352-264-6810 or ebardi@alachuacounty.us.