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

The Louisville Zoo invites students in preschool and grades pre-K – 12 to get involved with the eighth 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 powered by the LG&E and KU Foundation.

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

The Zoo is once again partnering with the Louisville Orchestra’s MakingMUSIC Landfill Orchestra program and has a category encouraging students to create a playable musical instrument from recycled materials. Students submitting a musical instrument will be invited to participate in a jam session with their instruments led by Louisville Orchestra Music Director Teddy Abrams at the awards presentation press conference on March 21 at 11 a.m.

Trashformation is open to all public, private, parochial and homeschool students in preschool and grades K–12.

One winner from each category will be chosen by a panel of judges and announced at a press conference during the Earth Month kickoff celebration at the Zoo on March 21. Winners will receive a one-of-a-kind painting by one of the Zoo’s animals.

Nonmusical instrument 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.  Registration is appreciated for the contest by Feb. 10. Each student or group may enter only one project.

Visit LouisvilleZoo.org/trashformation for registration material and a full list of rules and categories. Visit louisvilleorchestra.org/teachers for ideas on musical instruments.

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The Louisville Zoo, a nonprofit 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 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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