Connecticut Aquarium Holds Scrap Sculpture Contest

The Mystic Aquarium is encouraging artists to explore reuse through art with a new contest that calls for marine-themed sculptures made of at least 75 percent reusable materials.

The Scrap Art Sculpture Contest ends on April 17, and is open to individuals or groups of all ages. Aquarium visitors during the Earth Day festivities on April 18 and 19 will choose the winner. First prize includes a trophy and behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium.

A beach strewn with trash in Manila, Philippines. Photo: Tamara Thoreson Pierce for The Ocean Conservancy

While the Aquarium doesn’t recommend any particular materials to use, it’s required that the sculpture stand on its own and be under 25 pounds. These requirements encourage participants to learn about the materials they choose, such as plastic bottles weigh less than glass, while aluminum and steel cans may allow for a sturdy foundation.

The Mystic Aquarium has also scheduled a coastal clean-up of Bluff Point State Park on the 19th. Last year’s event collected over 7 million pieces of debris. No matter where you live, chances are there are Earth Day 2009 festivities to get involved.

Programs like these can help raise awareness about the effects of trash on marine life. Recently the Ocean Conservancy held its 23rd Annual International Coastal Cleanup, where almost seven million pounds of refuse was collected from the world’s waterways. Recycling trash, and keeping it from being improperly disposed of, is a necessary action in ocean preservation.

If you’re looking to participate in the Mystic Aquarium’s competition, exhibits must be registered by April 10 via email to educationinfo@mysticaquarium.org.