Voices of the Future: Aquidneck Land Trust Art and Writing Student Competition

This exhibition celebrates the creative spirit of our community through the Aquidneck Island Land Trust’s Art and Writing Contest, an annual showcase of student talent. Centered on the prompt, “Reflect on your favorite Aquidneck Island vista, considering its relationship with the changing environment,” students from across the Island submitted over 200 extraordinary works of art and writing. These submissions reflect a deep connection to the natural beauty of our Island, the impact of environmental change, and a shared hope for preserving these cherished spaces for future generations.

Participants include students from St. Michael’s Country Day School, The Pennfield School, Melville Elementary School, The Bradley School, St. Philomena School for the Sacred Heart, Rogers High School, All Saints STEAM Academy, Middletown High School, St. George’s School, and homeschoolers. Their entries highlight the profound role of art and writing education in fostering reflection, self-expression, and environmental stewardship among young people. Through this partnership, the Newport Art Museum underscores its commitment to nurturing creativity in classrooms and connecting students to critical issues within their communities.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many educators, parents, students, community leaders, and supporters who made this initiative possible. Special thanks to Mary Kate Hickey, Leah Kossak, Terry Sullivan, and Danielle Ogden. We would also like to thank our contest judges Jonathan Gewirz, Ellen Bowman, Seamus Hames, Susan Woythaler, Helena Touhey, Colleen Cronin, and Beezie Bickford. This contest is sponsored by design/build firm Sixteen On Center.

To learn more about the Aquidneck Land Trust, visit their website at: www.ailt.org/