BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)–Wombat Solar has announced the winners of its Earth Day Art Contest, held on Tuesday, April 22.

Sixteen young artists participated in the contest, with awards given in three age categories. All participants received an entry prize.

Fifth Grader Isla Nolen holds up her painting of a sea turtle. (Photo: Wombat Solar)

The first-place winners are Bella Scenters, a ninth-grader in the high school category; Dwight Hartschuh, a sixth-grader in the middle school category; and Leah Hilliard, a fourth-grader in the elementary school category. Second and third-place prizes were also awarded.

Ayla Spaniel, age 10,  displays her globe drawing. (Photo: Wombat Solar)

Leah Cordy, Community Relations Director for Wombat Solar, praised the students’ creativity and thoughtfulness. “We were so impressed by the creativity and thoughtfulness these students put into their artwork,” Cordy said. “It’s inspiring to see how Crawford County youth are already thinking about the future and the role clean energy can play in it. We’re proud to celebrate their talent this Earth Day.”

Dwight Hartschuh holds up his 1st place certificate next to his drawing titled “Going Green.” (Photo: Wombat Solar)

All submitted artwork was displayed at the Crawford County Art Center on Earth Day, where parents and community members were invited to view the creations. The Crawford Art Center also offered a free Earth Day craft activity, where visitors upcycled magazines to make beads.

The artwork will remain on display at the Crawford County Art Center throughout the week during its open hours: Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m., Monday from 6 to 9 p.m., and Tuesday from 1 to 6 p.m.

Kaylee Powers, Executive Director of the Art Center, expressed gratitude for the partnership. “We are grateful to be able to partner with a wide variety of organizations in our area and create opportunities for young artists to share their work,” Powers said. “This contest was a great way to encourage students to be creative and think about how their art can reflect the world around us.”

The current gallery exhibition at the Crawford County Art Center, themed “Chaos,” features artwork submitted by local member artists and is available for viewing and purchase.

Wombat Solar, a utility-scale solar energy development company, states its mission is to create a more sustainable future and emphasizes giving back to and building partnerships within rural and farm communities.