The Carroll County Bird Club presented a check for $322.00 to Bear Branch Nature Center.
This money was generated from the Youth Art Contest sponsored by the club and supported by the MOS. Thirteen of the young artists donated their work to be offered in a silent auction to benefit the nature center. All artwork was on display at Bear Branch from April 22nd to May 19th. Shown in the photo is Nicole Myers, Naturalist at Bear Branch Nature Center accepting the check.
Youth Art Show, Year #2
by Mary Jewell
Carroll County, Maryland. Sixty-two entries for a youth bird art contest and exhibit. Well over 100 folks at the opening reception at Bear Branch Nature Center. More than $300 raised from donated artworks for Bear Branch. Children asking Bob Ringler questions about birds. Really.
Yes, really. Our second (annual?) Youth Art Contest was a huge success. It was so good to see what the youth of Carroll County can accomplish and get to meet them as well as their families and art teachers.
The opening reception on Earth Day itself was a lot of fun. The refreshment table was groaning under the weight of the goodies and the room got so full we were worried the fire marshals were going to appear.
A distinguished panel of seven judges had spent over three hours the previous day making decisions. Awards were given out in four age groups for first, second, and third place. Four special awards were given out as well.
Many thanks to the members of the Bird Club who helped make this such a success. CJ and Maureen were instrumental in getting the word personally to each and every school and library. Susan Bollinger and Bowman’s Home and Garden donated prizes. CJ, Cori, Sharon, Don, and myself hung the artwork for the exhibit. The judges included our own Bill Ellis, Melinda Byrd, Jerry Dewitt, Erica from Bowman’s, Tamek Shelford, Dawn from Bear Branch, and Ikumi Kayama. Amy, CJ, and Cori provided refreshments. Amy and Matthew handled the silent auction and raffle. Sharon pitched in with setup and cleanup, and made sure every person got a raffle ticket. Craig helped clean up and even vacuumed!
The follow-up bird drawing class taught by Ikumi Kayama was held April 30th at the Eldersburg branch of the Carroll County Public Library. This class was part of the first place prizes, but was open to all other entrants as well. Fourteen participants spent the afternoon learning the structure of a bird’s body and being guided through the drawing process by Ikumi. From the high level of concentration among participants, it was very well received.
The exhibit will remain until May 19th.
If you have suggestions for next year or would like to help please contact Mary Jewell at jewellmary@hotmail.com
Carroll County Bird Club 