2011 Art Challenge Asks Young Artists in Benicia to Inspire Us About Our Community Trees

Fifth to Eighth grade students residing and attending schools in Benicia are eligible to win an IPad if their work of art is judged to be the most compelling and inspiring illumination of the beauty found in Benicia Trees, as determined by leading artists and civic leaders in the community.

The image portrayed above was painted by Sue Wilson, an artist residing in Benicia and a member of the Da Painters group. It was painted at last year's Arbor Day celebration in Benicia.

An image search on the web using the term “Tree Art” or “Trees in Art” will return a plethora of results. Trees have inspired artists for centuries who seek to capture the literal, aesthetic, and metaphorical values that they hold as subjects for creative expression. 

The challenge we present to you is to create an original work of art that graphically captures the beauty and or meaning of a tree or trees in Benicia. Any artistic medium can be used as long as you can present a good quality, high resolution (digital) image of the original work of art for judging. The winning entry will be featured in future communications and promotions associated with urban forestry in Benicia. The iconic nature of the work of art will be key to it winning the challenge…essentially inspiring people who live in Benicia to get involved with expanding the tree canopy that is an essential aspect of Benicia’s environment and community fabric.

The location of the tree(s) portrayed or that inspired the work of art must be provided. What is the name of the tree? The winning image will be iconic, impactful, creative, and original. Does the image inspire us? Does the image tell a story? We will appreciate any narrative you include with the art piece that will help us appreciate what the artist is communicating. It is expected that the winning artist will present the original work of art at the 2011 Benicia Arbor Day event on October 15, 2011.

The deadline for submittals is October 7, 2011 and the finalists will be announced at the Arbor Day event in Benicia City Park on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Finalists must be present in order to win.The school attended by the winning student will also be awarded a plaque, honoring the creative and intellectual accomplishment of the winning student.

Please click here to register for the challenge. 

There is a release form required for all entries. Click here for the form. Email the completed and signed form to beniciatree@gmail.com or fax it to (707) 745-4546.