Winners Announced As Artists Make A Splash
Faith Looby, Siena Walters, Mark Lewis, Isaiah Hayward, and Michaela Antoinette won their respective categories in the ‘Bermuda Is Worth Protecting’ Art Contest.
A spokesperson said, “Last month, the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme [BOPP], Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS], and Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI] launched a competition that asked Bermuda residents to submit digital artwork showcasing the island’s ocean spaces and inhabitants.
“More than 230 entries were submitted with artwork depicting Bermuda’s beautiful ocean and animals, as well as how residents enjoy the island’s waters and coastal areas. Many entries also contained suggestions for how people can protect Bermuda’s ocean, which will be featured alongside the artwork on BOPP’s social feeds in the coming weeks.
“The BOPP team would like to thank everyone who participated for submitting such amazing artwork and giving time to showcase Bermuda’s marine environments.
Art by Faith Looby, winner of the 6-10 age category
“The five category winners are:
- Age 6-10: Faith Looby
- Age 11-14: Siena Walters
- Age 15-17: Mark Lewis
- Age 18+ amateur: Isaiah Hayward
- Age 18+ professional: Michaela Antoinette
“The winners of the ages 6-10 and 11-14 categories won four tickets each to BZS or BUEI and the winners of the 15-17 and 18+ amateur and professional categories each won a GoPro HERO11 Black Mini. All winning entries can be viewed on the BOPP Instagram page.
“The judging panel consisted of Bermudian creatives, all artists in their own right: photographer Meredith Andrews; painter Anne Kermode; Kayuntae Ming, artist and entrepreneur; and art instructor Jahbarri Wilson.”
“The quality of the entries to the #BermudaIsWorthProtecting Art Contest was very high which made judging very difficult,” said Anne Kermode. “I was particularly impressed by the diversity of media, from animation and photography to collage and painting. I commend all of the entrants and I enjoyed the journey extended through your vibrant art. Congratulations to the winners: the top art amongst an outstanding group.”
“The #BermudaIsWorthProtecting Art Contest was abundant with entries and creativity, making it hard to choose a top three from the different age groups,” said Jahbarri Wilson. “I know for a fact that I had a top five for most of the groups!”
Image by Mark Lewis, winner of the 15-17 age category:
The spokesperson said, “When submitting artwork, entrants were also asked to provide a few sentences explaining why Bermuda is worth protecting.”
“The aim of the artwork competition was to engage with the community and to keep the conversation flowing about the importance of the ocean and our collective responsibility for its future,” said Ali Hochberg, BOPP’s Outreach Manager. “From all the entries we received, it’s clear there is a lot of love and respect for Bermuda’s ocean, the species that call it home, and the habitats we have the privilege of enjoying.”
The spokesperson said, “Bermuda residents are encouraged to learn more about local species and habitats at these links.
“Adding to the impact of the contest and its spirit of partnership, Keep Bermuda Beautiful [KBB] reached out and invited all entrants to be a part of the organisation’s Oceans Art Show.”
“We were happy to welcome the BOPP entries into KBB’s Oceans Art Show at the Bermuda Society of Arts [BSoA],” said Traci Burgess, Executive Director for Keep Bermuda Beautiful. “KBB and BOPP have worked together on a number of environmental initiatives and it made sense to collaborate for the art show.
“Thank you to everyone who participated and submitted entries. The BOPP artworks are featured in the Edinburgh Gallery at BSoA, and the show is open through this Friday, June 16.”
Artwork by Siena Walters, winner of the 11-14 age category
The spokesperson said, “BOPP recently wrapped up a period of focused response to its Draft Blue Prosperity Plan. This holistic approach to managing and protecting Bermuda’s ocean comprises a Marine Spatial Plan and a Blue Economy Strategy
“These complementary documents work together to create jobs, grow investment and business opportunities in marine industries, and support the long-term sustainable use of ocean resources.
“Bermuda residents can go online at bermudaoceanprosperity.org/online-engagement to learn about key topics in the Draft Blue Prosperity Plan. Visit BermudaOceanProsperity.org or the Bermuda Citizens Forum to learn more about the Draft Blue Prosperity Plan and view the feedback received during public consultation.”
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