Clearwater Seeks Young Artists For Anti-Litter Artwork Competition

CLEARWATER, FL — Calling all young artists. Clearwater is in search of the next Picasso.

As part of a parks & recreation, stormwater and sustainability grant, the city is wrapping several trucks with creative messages about protecting waterways from pollution and litter.

Children and teens under the age of 18 are invited to submit their creative work for a chance for their art to be featured on the vehicles.

"It's integral to teach kids how important it is to keep our waterways clean," said city staff member Samantha Moullet. "This is a creative way to get kids involved and showcase their artistic abilities."

Participants may draw, paint or color an image that is inspired by one of the following prompts:

• "Keep the sea plastic-free"
• "Save a critter, pick up litter"
• "Toes in the sand, trash in the can"
• "Our beach is not an ashtray"
• "Don't trash where we splash"

When children have completed their artistic masterpiece, they can mail or drop it off at the Municipal Services Center, attention: Samantha Moullet, 100 S. Myrtle Ave., Clearwater.

Artwork is due by May 20.

Participants also have the option of scanning the document and submitting it electronically at myclearwater.info/protectourbeaches. If the art is scanned, it must be at a resolution of 300 dpi.

If you need assistance or a scanner, the Clearwater Library has a free large-format scanner at the Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave.

"These trucks will be in high-visibility areas to the public like Clearwater Beach," said Clearwater sustainability coordinator, Sheridan Gemuendt. "We're looking for drawings or paintings that uniquely convey the harm that litter can cause to our environment and the animals that call our beach home."

Winners will be chosen based on creativity and how closely it relates to the theme.

For more information, call Moullet at 727-562-4844.