CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331  |  Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

The Louisville Zoo invites students in grades pre-K—12 to get involved with the fourth annual Trashformation: A Trash-to-Treasure Art Contest for Students. The annual contest is part of the Zoo’s Party for the Planet: A Month-Long Celebration of the Earth sponsored by Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company in April.

Students are encouraged to communicate the importance of recycling and sustainability through art.  Using only recyclable items, students’ art submissions should express or interpret “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.”

Trashformation is open to all public, private, parochial and homeschool students in preschool and grades K-12. Projects will be divided into eight categories: preschool and Kindergarten, grades 1-2; grades 3-5; grades 6-8; grades 9-12; group (grades pre-k to 2), group (grades 3 to 5) and group (grades 6 to 12).

One winner from each category will be chosen by a panel of judges and announced at a press conference at the Zoo during the Earth Day celebration on April 16.  Winners will receive a one-of-a-kind painting by one of the Zoo’s animals.

Submissions must be no larger than 12”x12”x12” if three-dimensional and weigh no more than 8 pounds with a rigid base or can be 18” x 18” if flat. All entries must be made from recyclable materials.  Students must register for the contest by March 21. Each student or group may enter only one project.

For registration material and a full list of rules visit www.louisvillezoo.org/trashformation.

Educational Eco-partners/Exhibitors for Earth Day Celebration

The Louisville Zoo is seeking educational eco-partners/exhibitors for its Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Earth Day Celebration is part of the larger Party for the Planet: A Month-Long Celebration of the Earth sponsored by Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company.

The Zoo seeks exhibitors who have an educational component about the earth or sustainability. Categories of exhibitors are Animal Action, Clean Air/Clean Energy, Water Conservation and Loving the Land. No retail sales, food sales or collection of donations are allowed on Earth Day.  The Louisville Zoo reserves the right to review and approve applications, displays, exhibits, giveaways and literature for appropriate content and in accordance with Zoo policies and procedures.

The Zoo’s Earth Day celebration is often a heavily attended day with a reduced admission price.

Non-profit exhibit space is free upon approval and for-profit space is available for $250. The Zoo will provide one six foot banquet table and two chairs.

Sponsorship of larger display areas is available for an additional charge. For cash sponsorship opportunities, call Terri Lenahan-Downs at 502-238-5330.

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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