On Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, 2021, Alachua County will recognize those students selected as winners in the County's eighth annual "Saving My Alachua" Environmental Art Contest. Winners from each grade will be recognized during a special outdoor event at 5:30 p.m. on the West Lawn of the County Administration Building (12 S.E. 1st Street, downtown Gainesville). This event is for contest winners and their families. An RSVP is required to attend.
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 will be awarded for first, second, and third place in each k-8th grade category and a High School category. Selected winners will be featured in the 2022 Saving My Alachua Calendar, which will also contain tips on protecting the environment.
“We all speak through different voices, and through art is one of those ways,” said Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Acting Director Stephen Hofstetter. “In the spirit of Earth Day, it is incredible to see how our young citizens have expressed their concerns about our environment through their beautiful artwork.”
The artwork is on display in the hallways of the second floor of the County Administration Building outside the Commission Chamber for the month of April.