Iowa Kids “Take It Outside” with IDNR Art Contest

Over 1700 Iowa students, ranging from Kindergarten to grade 12, participated in this year’s Iowa Department of Natural Resources “Take It Outside” Art Contest. Entries showcased children visiting native Iowa wildlife in their natural habitat while camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, wildlife watching, and more.

This year’s art contest theme focused on Iowa’s native wildlife. Iowa is rich in tradition and abundant with wonderful natural resources. Iowans contribute $4.3 billion to Iowa’s economy through our outdoor pursuits -- hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, boating, target shooting, and wildlife-watching. One of the reasons we enjoy outdoors is our fish and wildlife resources. We share our state with all sorts of native animals – a host of invertebrates, 140+ types of fish, over 400 species of birds, almost 60 kinds of mammals, and almost 80 reptiles and amphibians.

Schools were invited to submit posters in the following categories: Kindergarten-Grade 2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12. All categories were for original hand-drawn artwork. Winners were selected based on portrayal of theme, creative expression, originality, visual appeal, and artistic merit.

Individual winners (by category):
Category I: Grades K-2
1st Place – Drew Boothe, Berg Elementary, Newton
Most Creative – William Getter, Northeast Elementary, Glenwood
Best Use of Color – Pleng Saysuib, Norway Elementary, Norway

Category II: Grades 3-5
1st Place – Gwendolyn Hall, STCE Elementary, Tama
Best Use of Theme – Owen Lucas, Bedford Community Schools
Most Creative – Emily Kono, Center Point-Urbana Primary School, Center Point
Best Use of Color – Lauren Kraemer, Washington Elementary, Fairfield

Category III: Grades 6-8
1st Place – Kelsey Hulbert, West Marshall Middle School, State Center
Best Use of Theme – Caitlyn Gray, Jesup Community Schools
Most Creative – McKenna Klekar, St. Joseph, Marion
Best Use of Color – Ashley Sarver, Seymour Community Schools

Category IV: Grades 9-12
1st Place – Sam Sales, East High School, Sioux City
Best Use of Theme – Teresa Hageman, Turkey Valley High School, Jackson Junction
Most Creative – Darian Reese, Anamosa High School
Best Use of Color – Melissa Molloy, Knoxville Schools

Individual artists who placed first in each category received a prize package of exploration and/or outdoor recreation supplies. Every participant received a certificate from the IDNR. Winning entries will be displayed during the Iowa State Fair at the DNR building.

Grant for natural resources-based recreation experience
Each school that submitted art contest entries was entered in a drawing to receive a grant (total of 4 grants awarded) for a natural resources-based recreation experience at a local outdoor recreation area.

Winning schools:
Forest City Community Middle School and High School, Forest City
Colo-Nesco Elementary, Zearing
Indianola Middle School, Indianola
Roosevelt Middle School, Dubuque