Great Neck, NY — With a standing-room only audience of teachers, parents and student artists on hand for the occasion, Supervisor Jon Kaiman along with other elected officials last week presented awards at a Great Neck Arts Center reception for the winners of North Hempstead’s third annual Recycled Art Contest.
Spawned by Supervisor Kaiman’s Award Winning School Recycling Partnership Program, 200 pieces of art created by 1,900 students in grades K-12 graced the walls of the Great Neck Arts Center where they will remain on exhibit until January 6.
North Hempstead, through the offices of Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, have arranged for the Recycled Art to be showcased at the New York State Capital Building in Albany from January 17-20.
“I am very grateful to all who have helped make this occasion so special,” Supervisor Kaiman said. “Not only do we get the opportunity to see great art but we also get the chance to meet some of the future stewards of our environment, the young people who, by turning trash into treasures, are playing a major role in keeping North Hempstead green.”
The works ranged from an eight-foot North Atlantic Right Whale made of paper and fabric, to a six-foot by six foot cereal box cityscape, a floor to ceiling flower screen, a water bottle trash can and even a pair of high-fashion dresses.
Entries were categorized in groups of elementary, middle, and high school students as well as group entries. The five award categories were: Environmental Message, Use of Recycled Materials, Creativity, Best Overall and Honorable Mention.
One of the most impressive entries in terms of its sheer size and detail was created by 765 elementary school students from Lakeville School. The 1-5th grade students worked on Cereal Citiscape for an entire week using “mountains” of cereal boxes said art teachers Cliff Broffman and Monica Casazza.
“The nicest part was seeing it all come together,” Broffman said, explaining the colorful six foot by six foot group creation was crafted in sections.
Casazza added: “Our kids believe art is something special to share with the world. Not only did this competition broaden their perception of art but it also reinforced the concept of recycling.” Students and parents can view and share photos of the Recycled Art Contest on Facebook: www.facebook.com/townofnorthhempstead. Art projects were submitted by students from all areas of the Town. A complete list of winners is available on North Hempstead’s website.
For more information, please call 311.
Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, Director of Environmental Planning Fran Reid, Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Town Clerk Leslie Gross and Councilwoman Viviana Russell.