Wells Conservation Commission holds 16th Annual Art Awards Night

Post date: Jun 15, 2015 1:44:2 PM

The artwork of 70 Wells-Ogunquit K-12 students, all with the theme of “Birds of Wells,” was recognized at the 16th Annual Student Poster Contest Awards Night held on May 28th at Wells Elementary School.

Sponsored by the Wells Conservation Commission, the contest initially received an estimated 400 submissions, later narrowed down by a panel of judges.

About 160 students, parents, educators and town officials attended the awards ceremony. Before and after the program they strolled around the school’s café area to view the exhibit displayed on several upright panels featuring personal, unique views of our fine feathered friends. A slide show of the student artwork was also shown on a large screen above the stage.

The ceremony opened with introductory comments from Wells Conservation Commission Chair Owen Grumbling who has been involved with the Commission’s work since its creation in 1981. The recipient of this year’s Espy Land Heritage Award presented by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Dr. Grumbling asserted that “we live in the most beautiful place on the earth.” Grumbling had presented his $5,000 Espy Award to the Town of Wells Conservation Commission to support land and natural resource conservation, public education, and maintenance of public lands.

Wells Board of Selectman Chair Karl Ekstedt awarded certificates to the students. Award-winning students in attendance were presented with gift certificates for “Pick Your Own Strawberries” at Spiller Farm, courtesy of Anna and Bill Spiller. Wells Conservation Commissioner Markus Diebolt, who serves as Trail Manager, offered closing remarks, encouraging students and families to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of our community and visit our town-owned public land and trails.

Later Dr. Grumbling noted that in sponsoring the contest each year “the Conservation Commission encourages the Town’s younger citizens to be aware of our Wells natural resources, both for their use and their beauty. We want to share the vision of the children with the rest of the community."

With the slogan of “Conserving Nature for Life” the Wells Conservation Commission is an official committee of the Town of Wells that meets the second Thursday of each month at Wells Town Hall. Members keep vigil over the town’s natural resources, especially forest and water that provide wildlife habitat, human recreation, and outdoor education.

The Commission establishes trails and interpretation on conservation lands that have been acquired for the townspeople through its Land Bank and its conservation partners.

Award-winning student posters will hang in the Wells Town Hall through July. As in recent years, contest organizer Audrey Grumbling expects the artwork will go on to be displayed in other community locations into the autumn.

"The artwork of our young people is by turns delightful, thoughtful, and inspiring,” commented Ms. Grumbling. “This year's artwork is no exception. The children worked with their art or science teacher to express their understanding of the value and beauty of our natural world. From drawing and painting to photography and graphic design, the art of our young people in kindergarten through high school demonstrates close observation and deep understanding that is truly inspirational."

Wells-Ogunquit teachers Sandy Brennan, Bruce Fearon, Chris Milliken and Vanessa White-Capelluti were recognized for their continued support of the contest in encouraging their students from kindergarten through high school to participate. Community businesses Spiller Farm, Lisart, and Claude Breton’s Framers Workshop also contributed to program efforts. WES Principal Marianne Horne, Assistant Principal Ken Spinney and administrative assistant Sarah Blevins, along with custodial staff, facilitated the use of the school for the awards presentations.

Award-winning student artists include: Kindergarten: Camryn Ayer, Lauren Martin, Ryan Dyer, Ashley Morrell, Payton Maxon, Marissa Nafah, and Avalonne Gilpatric; Grade 1: Nathan Colpetzer, Cadence Cox, Caroline Dufort, Owen Shangraw, Damian Cyr, and Evan Chase; Multiage Grade 1-2: Kendall Maxon, Reese Murphy, Madison Webb, Eli Potter, Brandon Talevi, and Elizabeth Nichols.

Grade 2: Alex Finn, Teagan Hludik, Chloe Madsen, Bella Smith, Jessica Palmer, Brandon Wallingford, Jada Pullen, and Sophia Signoretti; Grade 3 and MA 3-4:

Camdyn Blynn, Lily Hubbard, Owen Clarke, Kaden Springer, Spencer Carpenter, Rachel M. Rallo, and Jace Patel; Grade 4: Emily Downes, Hunter Roberts, Ainsley Spofford, Marina Villator, and Emily Kenney.

Grade 5: Auguste Ciorra, Justin Boulay, Lindsay Plourde, Megan Cox, Anavi Curtiss, and Avery Seuter; Grade 6 Art: Michael Gregory, Kate Pinette, and Gavyn Leighton; Grade 6 Science: Garner Holdsworth, Grace Stevens, Jacob Michaud, Jon Brown, Jaiden Greaves, Lindsey Parker, Isaac Schuhmacher, and Emma Keniston; Grade 7 Art: Ashleigh Bolduc, Cailey Brickett; Grade 8 Art: Duncan Campbell.

Wells High School, Photography: Helana Griffith, Savannah Martin, Briauna Doughty, Reed W. Norton; Graphic Design: Brooke Nucci, Bethany Berger, Sarah Berger; Illustrated Graphics: Elise McCormack-Kuhman, Nick Maynard; Drawing: Nick Maynard, Allison Beecher, Olivia Holdsworth.and Michael Driscoll.

For a complete list of winners please check out this page.

The first place entry in the ‘Photography Category’ in the 2015 ‘Student Poster Contest’ sponsored by the Town of Wells Conservation Commission is a photograph of a chickadee being fed. Contest entry by Helena Griffith (WHS).

Second Place in the ‘Pencil/Pastel Drawing’ category by Allison Beecher (WHS)

Elementary School collage of bird by Jessica Palmer, Grade 2 WES

Drawing of wingspread bird with images of Maine inside the wings is by Elise McCormack-Kuhman (WHS)

Fifth grade student Auguste ‘Auggie’ Ciorra, standing next to his drawing of an eagle’s head.