Green Space Commission asks Arts Commission to partner on Arbor Day youth art contest

Regine Kletner, chair of the Green Space Advisory Commission, visited the Arts Commission to propose expanding the city's Arbor Day observance to include a youth-focused art contest and library programming.

Kletner said the commission plans to hold Arbor Day on Wednesday, April 15 at Larson Park with a proclamation read by the mayor, a Boy Scout flag ceremony and awards including a "tree of distinction" and a tree steward recognition. She asked the Arts Commission to consider partnering this year on a small, pilot art contest (photography or poetry) with the goal of growing the program in future years to include essays, drawing and school displays. "Our desire in the green space commission is to grow Arbor Day, for purposes of increasing awareness about trees and the value of trees and also to get more parts of our community involved," Kletner said.

Commissioners asked about age ranges and existing school or library partnerships; Kletner said the commission has at least one member with school contacts and plans to invite the children's librarian to read a children’s book at the event. The commission agreed to review the handout Kletner provided and to consider appointing 1–2 members to work with Green Space to develop contest details and logistics.

Next steps: the Arts Commission will review Kletner's materials (to be circulated electronically upon request) and assign members to follow up on contest design, school outreach and potential library displays.