Village Offers Recycled Art Contest for Junior High and High School Students

Art Contest Sponsored by Village’s Recreation Department & Standard Bank

ORLAND PARK, IL (March 21, 2014) – Young adults in Orland Park will want to think twice before tossing an empty pop can into a recycle container. It could become a work of art.

The Village of Orland Park Recreation Department, in cooperation with Standard Bank, invites seventh and eighth grade village residents along with those in high school to enter its annual Rethink, Recycle and Recreate Art Competition.

“Orland Park is a green community and this contest is a great way for the young adults to be a part of the village’s green initiatives,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “Teens are already on top of the importance of recycling. This contest gives them another way to use these items,” he said.

Entries must be original artwork and made exclusively from recycled and scrap materials like beverage containers, paper, metal, cardboard, wood and aluminum. The use of paint, glue, tape, twine and other non-recyclable fasteners is permitted provided they are non-toxic.

“We’re looking forward to seeing some exciting creations,” said Village Trustee Pat Gira, chair of the village’s Recreation and Parks Committee. “It’s a great way to showcase your talent and how things can be recycled at the same time,” she said.

Each entry must be accompanied by a written description of the design concept, the message being conveyed and the recycled content. The artwork and written application may be submitted on April 15 and 16 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the village’s Cultural Arts Center, 14760 Park Lane.

Contest applications can be found on the village’s website at http://www.orland-park.il.us/documentcenter/view/23753.

Prizes will be awarded for first and second place in three categories, seventh/eighth grade; freshman/sophomore and junior/senior. Artwork will be judged by community representatives on overall appearance, theme, message and recycled materials used.  

Winning pieces will be displayed at the Frederick T. Owens Village Hall April 29 through May 5, followed by being on display at the Orland Park Public Library. For more information, call Green Initiatives Coordinator Donna Kargol at 708/403-6258.