Atlantic County Kicks Off Recycled Art Contest With Cash Prizes

Starting Oct. 1, Atlantic County will transform trash into treasure. The county's Utilities Authority launches its 11th yearly contest that turns waste into works of art.

"The Recycled Art Contest is a great opportunity for residents to rethink the waste they generate," said ACUA President Matthew DeNafo, according to NewsBreak. "There have been many inventive submissions over the years, from dresses made with newspaper to fish crafted from littered cigarette butts. We look forward to seeing this year's creativity."

Artists can join five groups: kids 8 and under, youth 9 to 13, teens 14 to 17, adults 18 and up, and teams. Winners take home cash awards at a special event.

On America Recycles Day, Nov. 15, the ACUA center in Egg Harbor Township will host a celebration. From 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., visitors can see all entries on display.

County residents have plenty of options to submit their creations. Nine branches of the Atlantic County Library System stand ready. Two Atlantic Cape Community College sites, plus Stockton University's Bjork Library, the Linwood Library, and Atlantic City's Free Public Library round out the drop-off spots.

The deadline stretches to Oct. 31. Each piece must come with its entry papers. Find all rules and forms at www.acua.com/artcontest.

Take your art to any Atlantic County Library branch: Absecon, Brigantine, Egg Harbor City, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, Hammonton, Pleasantville, Somers Point, or Ventnor. The Otto Bruyns Library in Northfield and Atlantic Cape's spots in Mays Landing and Atlantic City also welcome submissions.