OECS

Watt’s Art Sustainable Energy Art Contest

Written by Radio Caribbean International on December 20, 2024

Art meets Sustainable Energy: OECS Commission Celebrates Young Artist Winners of the Watt’s Art Sustainable Energy Art Contest

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission is thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural Watt’s Art Sustainable Energy Art Contest, a vibrant initiative to promote awareness of sustainable energy through artistic expression.

The competition showcased the creativity and talent of young artists from across the OECS with 21 entries submitted from eight Member States.

The prize winners are:

– First Prize: Iyondel Williams, 18, Grenada

– Second Prize: Rianna Heylinger, 18, St Kitts and Nevis

– Third Prize: Nikira Sylvester, 16, Grenada

– People’s Choice Award: Jaquori Isaac, 18, St Kitts and Nevis

A five-member panel of judges drawn from across the region evaluated the 21 submissions based on creativity, relevance to the theme of sustainable energy, and overall artistic quality.

Judith Ephraim-Schmidt, Head of the Sustainable Energy Unit at the OECS Commission, expressed her admiration for the entries, stating:

“The artworks submitted were not only visually stunning but also deeply resonant with key themes of sustainability. They reflect a profound understanding of renewable energy and its significance in our fight against climate change. Each piece tells a story that inspires hope for a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

First prize winner Iyondel Williams described his winning piece as a symbol of “the harmony between humanity, Earth, and renewable energy”, emphasising the responsibility we have towards our planet.

Rianna Heylinger noted that her artwork explores “the power of renewable resources”, showcasing how various forms of energy can work together to enhance sustainability.

Nikira Sylvester shared her excitement about her piece featuring “Lady Solar”, a superhero combating environmental threats and promoting energy conservation.

In addition to the prizes awarded to the top three winners—a Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet for first place, a Samsung Galaxy Watch for second place, and an Echo Dot with Echo Buds for third place—the People’s Choice Award winner, who received 100 votes from some 524 voters in a 36-hour voting period– will receive a Fujifilm Instax camera bundle.

The OECS Commission is also excited to announce that the top 12 artworks will be featured in a 2025 OECS Sustainable Energy Calendar, providing these young artists with a platform to share their visions with a broader audience.

This contest not only celebrates artistic talent but also fosters critical thinking about energy sustainability among youth in the region. The OECS Commission looks forward to continuing its efforts at inclusion of the region’s young people as it promotes sustainable development through such innovative initiatives as Watt’s Art.