Creative Campus

UA Green Fair Art Contest & Auction showed off naturally inspired works of art

When Dr. Fran Oneal approached Creative Campus with an idea to incorporate a recycled art contest into the UA Green Fair, an event intended to offer exposure to The University of Alabama’s contributions to all realms of environmentalism, undergraduate intern Emily Roberson was quick to latch on to the proposed project. “I saw it as an opportunity to engage my own interest and pursuits in issues surrounding global warming and ecological sustainability,” Roberson said. 

Students, faculty, and staff were invited to submit artwork that incorporated used materials or focused on themes such as nature appreciation or the confrontation of environmental issues. Over 50 pieces, which included sculptures, paintings, and drawings, were received. 

On Oct. 2, the day of the UA Green Fair, a tent was set up in a prominent location on The University of Alabama’s campus. Inside, the works submitted to the UA Green Fair Art Contest & Auction were put on display. Over 200 attendants voted and placed bids on pieces they admired. 

The artists who created the three pieces that received the most votes were awarded supply scholarships to the University Supply Store, which were valued at $150, $100 and $50 each. The winning pieces were “A Greener Earth” an ink-based work created by graduate student Connie Zhang, “Beer Bottle Top Bouquet” by undergraduate Amanda Barnes, and “Death of Nature” by Denes Zubecsek, in first, second, and third place, respectively.

Creative Campus interns made sure to include their own submission at the UA Green Fair Art Contest & Auction. Together, they constructed a working putt-putt hole created out of food packaging, discarded carpet padding and cardboard appliance boxes. “We titled our structure ‘Planet Lovin’ Putt-Putt Hole.’ Its construction certainly was a labor of love,” undergraduate Creative Campus Intern Andi Johnson said. 

UA Green Fair attendants also had the opportunity to “Speak Green.” Interns Greg Taylor and Stephen Lovell recorded passersby complimenting their planet and voicing environmental concerns.  

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