URI seeks student artists for Ocean View exhibition and competition

November 7, 2022
Student artwork displayed at the URI Providence Campus Gallery as part of the 2021 Ocean View exhibition and competition.
Nov. 7, 2022

School-aged artists in Rhode Island have the chance to see their ocean-themed creations line the walls of a gallery and compete for prizes next spring. Today, the URI Graduate School of Oceanography and Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies announced a call for entries for the 2023 Ocean View art exhibition and competition, an opportunity for students in the Ocean State to showcase their artistic skills and share their ocean knowledge.

Ocean View encourages youth to interpret the ocean through visual art. Students in grades kindergarten through high school are encouraged to participate.

Visitors at the URI Providence Campus Gallery.

This exhibition and competition, which was launched in 2021, explores the many ways in which we are all connected to the sea. The call for entries for the 2023 event invites young artists to respond to the question, “What is your favorite thing about the ocean?”

“November is STEAM month in Rhode Island, and what better way to celebrate than to ask students from across the state to combine their art and science skills,” said GSO Dean Paula Bontempi. “I was inspired by the hundreds of artworks in the 2021 exhibition, seeing how the next generation of ocean stewards view the present and future state of the ocean. I can’t wait to see what creative visions the state’s youth share with us in 2023.”

“Following the success of Ocean View in 2021, the College of Education and Professional Studies is thrilled to once again partner with the Graduate School of Oceanography on the 2023 exhibition and competition,” said Interim Dean Danielle Dennis. “Together, we affirm our commitment to outreach to schools and the community, to STEAM, to the blue economy, and look forward to witnessing the talent of Rhode Island’s K-12 students through their art and writing.”

To participate in Ocean View, a completed commitment form must be submitted by March 1, 2023. Contact information for an adult sponsor must be included in the commitment form.

Two-dimensional pieces that will be accepted include but are not limited to:

  • Drawing & illustration;
  • Painting;
  • Mixed media and collage; and
  • Photography.

The exhibition at the URI Providence Campus will take place April 3-27, 2023. All submissions will be displayed physically at the campus gallery as well as virtually on the GSO website.

The twelve award-winning original pieces of artwork will be framed and showcased for at least one year at GSO following the exhibition at the URI Providence Campus Gallery.

For more information, please visit the Ocean View website.