An art project created by fifth-grade students at Forest Park’s Field-Stevenson and Grant-White schools won the “most creative” award in a regional contest at the Shedd Aquarium this week. Students used plastic forks and spoons, a CD and colorful origami fish to craft the “Wreath-Cycle” entry.
The contest asked schools to submit a holiday wreath made of recycled materials to demonstrate the theme “We’re all connected.” Nearly 200 wreaths were submitted.
“You can reuse when you go to the store,” the students wrote in an essay. “How? All you have to do is use the bags you use for shopping and use them again or you can use a cloth bag.”
“We don’t want to live in a world filled with garbage. We cannot continue down this road,” the essay said. “Find ways to reduce For example: dine in at a restaurant instead of taking it to go.”
The design used plastic silverware to represent Chicago skyscrapers in a silhouette of the Chicago skyline above and below the water of Lake Michigan. Origami fish swarm under the water.
Wreaths will be displayed in the Shedd’s Caribbean Reef exhibit and other areas until Jan. 5.
The contest was hosted by Shedd Aquarium’s Auxiliary Board and sponsored by Chicago magazine.
This article has been updated to state that students from both Grant-White and Field-Stevenson participated in the art project.
