Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania announced sponsorship of youth arts education in Adams County through a $5,000 gift to the Adams County Arts Council (ACAC). The gift has been earmarked at Columbia Gas’s request to subsidize expenses for ACAC’s 2023 youth summer camp season and the annual Recyclable Art Contest and Exhibit. 

This year’s Recyclable Art Contest and Exhibit includes 97 works of art created by students from all six school districts in Adams County. The exhibit is on display and open to the public at ACAC’s Arts Education Center (AEC) through April 28. Winners will be announced and celebrated during the awards ceremony, which will take place at ACAC’s Arts Education Center (AEC), 125 S. Washington Street, Gettysburg on Friday, April 28 at 6 p.m.

The competition challenged participants to create works of art using only recycled and repurposed materials.

Sponsors for this exhibit and event also include Open Minds, Gettysburg Green Gathering, McDonald’s, and the Gettysburg Recycling Committee. 

The Recyclable Art Contest & Exhibit is a great example of how art and environmentalism can be combined to create something beautiful and meaningful. "We had many creative entries this year. This next generation gets it," said Kylie Stone, Outreach and Events Coordinator for ACAC.  “We were encouraged by the number of entries this year. It is great to see the interest in this program continue to grow,” said Stone. Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and the other sponsors recognize the importance of promoting sustainable practices and supporting initiatives that promote environmental awareness. 

ACAC’s summer camp season is currently accepting registrations for 52 camp offerings for students from pre-school through high school in a variety of mediums. Scholarships are available for qualified families, thanks to support from sponsors like Columbia Gas. The summer camp season is also supported by contributions from Adams County Electric Cooperative, Inc., Adams County Commissioners, The Anne & Phillip Glatfelter III Foundation, The Robert C. Hoffman Charitable Endowment Trust, the Stabler Foundation, the Marie Keese LeLash Foundation, the Rice Family Foundation, the Rotary Club, and PNC Bank. 

Questions regarding the Recyclable Art Contest and Exhibit and other youth outreach programs should be directed to Kylie Stone at [email protected]. Questions about summer camps and scholarship availability can be directed to [email protected] or 717-334-5006.