Some recently revealed artwork in Galveston is causing quite the stink among residents.
Well, it’s a celebratory stink, as the Galveston Park Board unveiled the winners and favorites in the 2013 Seaweed Art Contest. Judges selected entries during an open-air awards ceremony at the Stewart Beach pavilion recently, with the public participating by casting votes for the People’s Choice selection.
It's part of a new community outreach campaign intended to spread awareness about the environmental benefits of seaweed.
First place and a $500 prize went to Don T. Henderson of Galveston for his Galveston Seaweed Man Wins Again. The other winners, who received attraction passes and gift cards, are Edward Drozdik of Galveston, second place for Edible Shade; and Sandi Smith of Port Bolivar, third place for Mona Liseaweed. Michael Mejia of Texas City took the People’s Choice Award for Jessica’s Pearl.
The Galveston Park Board hosted the contest as part of a new community outreach campaign intended to spread awareness about the environmental benefits of seaweed. Studies show the green stuff protects the island’s beaches from erosion.
Entry requirements were to submit seaweed-inspired or seaweed-themed art work not to exceed dimensions of three-feet square. Participants were free to use any medium of their choosing. All art work was submitted and stored in safe keeping at the Galveston Park Board offices.
The big question: Did it smell?
“Surprisingly, no!” says Ivette Wilhelm, public relations coordinator for the Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees. “Many of the artists developed their own creative ways of working with organic seaweed by washing it and treating it with acrylic or some other coating.”
The seaweed contest is a first for the park board, but Wilhelm says hopes are for the competition to become an annual event with possible additions such as a seaweed festival.
“It was exciting to see folks from across Texas participate in a light-hearted event for a great cause and to see their boundless creativity,” she says.
First-place winner: Don T. Henderson of Galveston, Galveston's Weedman Wins Again
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