Students In The Arts Alliance (SITAA), the nonprofit behind Jacksonville Beach’s annual Deck The Chairs holiday event, has announced the winners of the second annual Deck The Bins Student Art Contest. The community arts initiative that combines student creativity with environmental stewardship had submissions from nearly 300 young artists from across Northeast Florida.
Seventy-two winning designs were selected and will be transformed into colorful public art installations displayed on wooden trash bins throughout Jacksonville Beach. Each winning student will receive a $100 award, and installations were expected to begin this month.
A complete list of winners and a gallery of selected artwork can be viewed here: https://www.sitaa.org/our-programs#dtb-contest-overview
Presented in partnership with the City of Jacksonville Beach and Waste Pro, Deck The Bins encourages students to explore themes of environmental responsibility, community pride and coastal conservation while creating artwork that beautifies shared public spaces.
Entries were evaluated on creativity, artistic technique and age-appropriate skill level in two divisions: ages 8-12 and ages 13-18. The competition was judged by longtime Beaches-area arts and culture journalist Liza Mitchell.
“Deck The Bins demonstrates the power of public art to inspire both creativity and civic responsibility,” said Kurtis Loftus, executive director of Students In The Arts Alliance. “By placing student artwork in highly visible community spaces, we’re celebrating young artists while encouraging residents and visitors alike to help keep our beaches clean and beautiful.”
Deck The Bins is one of several year-round programs operated by SITAA as the organization works to connect student creativity with community through public arts and educational initiatives.
SITAA is supported in part by the Merit-Based Cultural Service Grant Program administered by the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville through funding provided by the City of Jacksonville.
