British Columbia Secondary Schools’

2011 Earth Day Art Show and Competition

What does the environment mean to you?
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Terms of Reference:
A province-wide student art show and competition sponsored by the Ministry of Community, Sport and
Cultural Development, Arts Council of Surrey and Surrey Crime Prevention Society. The goals are to
promote Earth Day values, increase youth awareness about environmental issues and showcase youth
talent in the visual arts. The competition is open to all Grade 9 - 12 students, currently enrolled in a BC
secondary school. The Grand Finalist winner will receive a $2,000.00 cash prize, the Second Place
Finalist will receive a $1,000.00 cash prize and the Third Place Finalist will receive a $500.00 cash prize.
The top 50 finalist artworks will be exhibited at the Newton Cultural Centre, Surrey BC, April 1 - 30, and
posted on the Ministry website. Interested teachers may confirm their schools’ participation, through
contacting Mr. Marc Pelech, Earth Day Art Show Coordinator [pelech_m@sd36.bc.ca]. For registration
purposes, please ensure that you provide each student’s: name, age, sub-theme, medium, teacher
contact, school and city. Students whose artwork is selected for this exhibition will receive a certificate of
achievement at a gala hosted at the Newton Cultural Centre on April 22, 2011 (6:30 PM). All artwork
entries must be delivered to Sullivan Heights Secondary School, 6248 - 144th Street, Surrey BC, V3X 1A1,
by no later than March 11, 2011.

Art Show Criteria:

1. Research: Students are strongly encouraged to research environmental issues. To get you
started, here is a list of 10 sub-themes:
Climate Change: Some claim that human development has created the phenomena, popularly
known as global warming. Have humans created the conditions for severe weather events,
flooding and water shortages?
Atmosphere and Energy: Due to the consumption of fossil fuels, rising temperatures and sea
levels, and a substantial loss of habitat and biodiversity are very real possibilities by the end of
the Century. How will we meet worldwide demand for increased living standards while
sustaining the ecology of the planet?
Oceans: Industrial fishing, pollution and climate change pose a constant threat to coastal and
marine environments and wildlife. For example, experts cite the existence of dead
zones, plastic oceans, and food chain contaminants as major concerns.
Wildlife and Habitat: There was a time when populations of the great whales, Bald Eagles and
Whooping Cranes were in rapid decline. Through strong legislation, habitat protection and
international agreements, these populations are bouncing back. Protecting the environment and
biodiversity is more than a moral responsibility; they also impact human health and welfare.
Health and Environment: It is often overlooked that there is a direct relationship between an
individuals’ health and the health of their environment. For example, the Canadian Cancer
Society reports that 40% of Canadian women and 45% of men will develop cancer during their
lifetimes. Health Canada estimates that 90 Canadians die annually, while a further 90,000
become sick due to water contamination. Thousands are estimated to die each year in
Canada due to air pollution.
Fresh Water: Water sustains life and commerce. We use water to grow our food, support
industry, and for recreation activities. Natural water ecosystems (lakes, rivers, streams and
wetlands) also provide habitat for many plants and animals, including some that we like to eat
(like fish). To ensure water ecosystems are healthy and that we have the water we need, there
are a range of challenges to meet including pollution, water exports, water withdrawals, climate
change, and diverting water flows.
GMO Foods: Genetic engineering is the manipulation of genes to create new plants, animals
and microorganisms. GE crops are being planted on millions of hectares of land, since 1996.
No long-term tests have been done on the impacts on human health. GE advocates claim major
benefits, whereas its proponents suggest irreversible risks.
Waste Management: Our cities are built on garbage dumps. As the World economy grows, so
does its production of wastes. For example, US production of hazardous and toxic waste rose
from 9 million tons in 1970 to 238 million tons in 1990. Europe produces more than 2.5 billion
tons of solid waste a year and everyday the inhabitants of New York throw away approximately
26,000 tons.
Deforestation: Trees and plants are the lungs of earth. When they decay or burn, carbon
dioxide and methane gas released into the atmosphere. This is a naturally
occurring process, but some claim that excessive human activity has severely damaged the
planet, citing land erosion, desertification, and increased temperature and species extinction.
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Transition to a Sustainable Economy: Some say the 21st century will need to become a
green-based economy. The widespread belief that we can continue to consume more and more,
year after year is not sustainable or desirable reality. Talk of “green jobs” and “green products”
is spreading, but a true transition to a sustainable economy requires cooperation at all levels, as
well as innovation.
Other research sites:
- http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/
- http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/
- http://www.supergreenme.com/go-green-environment-eco:The-Worlds-Top-10-Worst-
Environmental-Issues
- http://www.sierraclub.ca/en/program-areas
- http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
- http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/
- http://www.livescience.com/environment/

2. Planning & Concept Development: Select one of the 10 environmental issues listed above.
For example, ask yourself: What does “deforestation” mean to me? Consider how this issue
directly affects your day-to-day lifestyle/ and or alters your future?

3. Art Product Requirements: All submissions must be 2D concepts with paper-sized dimensions
of 18 x 24” (46 cm x 61 cm). Any art media (or combination there of) is acceptable, including
pencil, colored pencils, conte, charcoal, paint and mixed media. Digital media pieces
(photography or computed art) must be reproduced on quality photographic paper (300 dpi).

4. Artwork Documentation Requirements: All artworks must be accompanied with a fully

completed submission tag provided below. By signing the waiver, the youth (or parent/guardian
if under 18) grants the Ministry and the event partners, promotional rights to photograph and
interview the student artist, and to publish the artwork & artwork description information for
educational (nonprofit) purposes.

5. Drop-off Site: Student artworks should be delivered to Sullivan Heights Secondary School,
6248 - 144th Street, Surrey BC, V3X 1A1: Attention: Mr. Marc Pelech.

6. Jury Process: A panel of three members from the arts community will jury the student works.
Assessment will address accuracy of research, sophistication of content (i.e. use of
experimentation, metaphors or symbolism), originality and quality of technical skills.
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Submission Tag: Attach to back of artwork

British Columbia Secondary Schools’

2011 Earth Day Art Show and Competition
What does the environment mean to you?

Student Name: (First)_____________(Surname)__________________

Grade: ___/ Age: ___
Artwork Title: _____________________________________________
Artwork Medium/s: _________________________________________
Art Teacher: _____________________________________
Secondary School:
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Artwork Description (maximum 100 words):
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School Address: ___________________________________________
School Phone Number: __________________________
School/ or Personal E-mail Address: ___________________________
Student/Guardian Waiver Signature: ___________________________
Date: ________________________