The Aquidneck Island Land Trust has opened its 12th annual Art & Writing Contest for students, asking them to reflect on a favorite Aquidneck Island vista and how it is changing.
Entries are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Winning work will be displayed in the Newport Art Museum’s Cushing Gallery beginning Feb. 11, 2027, alongside the opening of “James Baker: An Aesthetic Life,” an exhibition of the Newport painter’s work spanning more than five decades.
The prompt asks students to “reflect on your favorite Aquidneck Island vista, considering its relationship with the changing environment,” and to create artwork or writing capturing their thoughts and observations. Students are also encouraged to consider Baker’s work in their own reflections.
Prizes are awarded in three age groups — kindergarten through grade 4, grades 5 through 8, and grades 9 through 12 — with first, second and third place in each. Student prizes range from $50 to $250. The schools of first-place winners receive $500 grants for environmental education programs. First-place art winners also receive a scholarship to the Art Museum School, and all winners receive family memberships to the Land Trust.
Entrants must live or attend school on Aquidneck Island. Students who learn at home are eligible.
“For over a decade, the Art & Writing Contest has encouraged students to study the natural environment around them,” said Terry Sullivan, the Land Trust’s executive director.
“We love seeing young people exploring our galleries, discovering works that resonate with them, and developing their own creativity and artistic point of view,” said Harry Philbrick, the Newport Art Museum’s executive director.
Written work is submitted through the Land Trust’s website. Artwork is accepted in person at the Land Trust offices, 790 Aquidneck Ave., second floor, Middletown, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Separate panels of art and writing judges will select winners, who will be recognized on the exhibition’s opening night. The contest is sponsored by Sixteen On Center.
