The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection (DEP) is honoring the six winning 2012 Eco-Art Contest high school artists this week by presenting awards at the respective schools.

The Kentucky students used the contest themes or categories of conservation, pollution prevention and environmental protection and submitted artwork using the media types of drawing/painting/print, mixed media, sculpture and photographs.

The winners of the 2012 Eco-Art Contest are:

  • Emily Larson from Taylor County High School in Campbellsville
  • Stephen Welch and Erin Downs from North Bullitt High School in Shepherdsville
  • Jacob Turner from Western Hills High School in Frankfort
  • Kisaki Takeuchi from Lyon County High School in Eddyville
  • Amber Pyle from Pleasure Ridge Park High School in Louisville

 “The purpose of the contest was to encourage high school students to think about the environment and inspire them to reflect their thoughts on the environment in their artwork,” said R. Bruce Scott, DEP commissioner.

 Artwork from the 2012 contest winners, along with past years’ winning submissions, will be displayed in the DEP Training Center in Frankfort, where it will be viewed by hundreds of visitors.

 “The impact of the winners’ artwork can be far-reaching, helping Kentuckians across the state gain a new appreciation for preserving the beauty and resources of our Commonwealth,” said First Lady Jane Beshear. “It is our hope that every eligible Kentucky high school student will submit artwork for this contest in future years.”

The Eco-Art Contest is sponsored by DEP’s Division of Compliance Assistance. For more information, visit http://dca.ky.gov/LGGS/Pages/ecoart.aspx or call the Division of Compliance Assistance toll-free at 800-926-8111.