Endangered Species Day

Ogden Museum of Southern Art: Opening Thurs. May 13

What: Opening of exhibition of art by students from across the United States in honor of Endangered Species Day (a celebration of our nation’s wildlife and wild places). The categories are grades K-2; 3-6; 7-9;10-12. There will be 40 images by the winners and semi-finalists on view. Area semi-finalists include children from Port Allen, Jennings and Bay St. Louis. Endangered species such as the bald eagle, Florida Key deer, Louisiana brown pelican, and green sea turtles are among those depicted.

Started in 2006 by the United States Congress, Endangered Species Day is an opportunity to learn about endangered species. The art contest is an integral part of the fifth annual national Endangered Species Day, May 21, 2010.  The contest’s winner will be honored with their name engraved on a special trophy designed by a gifted young artist, Meredith Graf of New Orleans, La. (a student of the Louise S. McGehee School) and will also be recognized at a reception in Washington, D.C. in May 2010.

The nationwide Endangered Species Day Art contest provides students with an opportunity to learn about endangered species and express their knowledge and support through artwork. The contest is organized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Endangered Species Coalition, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art/University of New Orleans. The Museum’s co-director and curator David Houston, education coordinator Kate Barron, and collections manager Bradley Sumrall selected the semi-finalists. A panel of judges chose the winners.

Where: Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., New Orleans, La.

When: Thurs. May 13, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. (during Ogden After Hours, featuring Jeff & Vida)