Winners of the fifth annual Cambridge City Nature Art Challenge are on display at locally owned businesses and other venues, including at Albertine Press in Inman Square, BerryLine in Harvard Square and Cambridge Savings Bank in Central Square, Green Cambridge and Cambridge Local First said.
The contest gives a way for Cambridge elementary and upper-school students to connect with local wildlife through art, making a statement about the importance of local ecosystems.
“Our green space and healthy ecosystems quietly nurture our earth and our community. They also nurture one of our greatest resources, our kids. The young people of Cambridge are our future Stem professionals, teachers, artists, entrepreneurs and neighborhood leaders,” said Katie Labrie, executive director of Cambridge Local First, using a term for science, technology, engineering and math fields.
Artist Adam O’Day and Arnold Arboretum gardener Sylvia Maina served as the judges this year, naming the winners of gift certificates to Cambridge Local First businesses in addition to having their art displayed as posters citywide.
First grade winners: Tomomi N. (MLK Jr. School) and Maya R. (Amigos School)
Second grade winners: Sophia S. (Haggerty School) and Ori Z.(Graham and Parks School)
Third grade winners: Kayden S. (Cambridgeport School) and Lillian S. (MLK Jr. School)
Fourth grade winners: Robel B. (Tobin Montessori School) and Jackson K. (Haggerty School)
Fifth grade winners: Rowan P. (MLK Jr. School) & Joaquin G. L. (MLK Jr. School)
Sixth through eighth graders winners: Isabel N. (Cambridge Street Upper School, eighth grade) and Angela L.P. (Cambridge Street Upper School, seventh Grade)
“Participation in the arts creates stronger learning experiences in just about any subject, including learning about nature, our human neighbors and our animal neighbors. Teachers already know this. We’re just spreading arts-based learning just a little bit further for Cambridge kids,” said Julie Croston, who initiated the challenge on behalf of Green Cambridge in 2020.
Next year’s Cambridge City Nature Art Challenge launches Jan. 29 with a story and craft session at the the Cambridge Public Library’s Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St. The deadline for entries comes in early May. Students, caregivers and teachers can sign up for the Cambridge Wildlife Arts newsletter here.
A stronger
Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.
We are now a 501(c)3 nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Please consider a recurring contribution.