Council recognizes art winner

May 17—Claremont Elementary fifth grader Paisley King won the second Storm Water Art Contest.

City of Claremore Storm Water Manager Julie Monnot held the contest as a way to get students interested in their local environment and water quality. She taught 5th graders the importance of keeping water clean in their science class and then worked with local art teachers to incorporate what they learned in science into their art projects.

Monnot announced King as the winner of the art contest at Monday's regular city council meeting. King's artwork was placed on the side of a City of Claremore trash truck, which can be see driving around the community

King is a student at Claremont Elementary in Tina Francis' art class. Her art will be on the side of the trash truck for five to seven years, which Francis said is a big deal.

"Paisley definitely made some sacrifices," Francis said. "She gave up some of her recess time and took it home to work on it."

Francis said all 12 of her entries worked hard on their entries.

"We learned about shading and primary colors and how to make their art catch the eye," Francis said. "I told them to plan for every inch of their picture to have color."

Francis said Monnot's presentation to the students was interesting and had the kids engaged.

"Julie did a great job," Francis said.

Mayor Bill Flanagan said he was impressed that this was King's first time entering her art in a contest and won.

"She just has a natural talent for that," Flanagan said.

Monnot said she was happy with the entries for this years contest. In the future, she hopes kids will look forward to fifth grade and to entering the contest.

There were 20 entries from Claremont, Stuart Roosa and Catalayah elementary. The entries can be seen hanging inside of the City Council chambers.