The art of conservation
Aquidneck Land Trust holds an annual art and writing contest for kids to promote the importance and value of conservation for the next generation.
A version of this story originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of Saving Land magazine.
One student depicted a flock of pink and blue butterflies flying over flowers and trees under a sunlit sky. Another masterfully portrayed a lighthouse on Rhode Island’s Aquidneck Island that looked out over Narragansett Bay. Other budding artists painted brilliant multi-hued sunsets, lush green landscapes and pleasant beach scenes.
They were all winners in the Aquidneck Land Trust Art & Writing Contest, held annually to promote the importance and value of conservation.
“The contest’s goal is to inspire the next generation of conservationists,” says Terry Sullivan, Aquidneck Land Trust executive director. “When you read the students’ stories and look at the beautiful art they created, you can see they have a deep appreciation for the open spaces and coastal waters of Aquidneck Island. Thanks to the efforts and support of numerous Aquidneck Islanders, many of these special places have been protected for generations to come.”
Students at Aquidneck Island schools and those who reside on the island were invited to enter artwork or written work depicting their favorite local vistas. Sponsored annually by Sixteen on Center, a local design-build firm, winners received cash prizes and a household membership to Aquidneck Land Trust.
The schools of each first-place winner received a generous grant to support their environmental science curricula. The winners were honored in a ceremony at the land trust’s annual meeting earlier this year.
Download the land trust’s outdoor recreation map.