Brielle Stone, a 10-year-old girl from Mesa, was named one of the five winners of OdySea Aquarium’s annual Conservation Art Challenge.
The challenge, part of the “Party for the Planet” initiatives with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, encourages children aged 12 and under to research and make an art project of a land, sea or sky animal using recycled materials.
Every participant receives a free child’s admission ticket to OdySea Aquarium. For this year’s contest, their fourth iteration, OdySea received a record-breaking 933 entries. Stone chose the endangered pygmy three-toed sloth and created her project using a pair of socks, plastic grocery bag, yarn, cardboard, loofah, and paper scraps.
Stone, in addition to the other winners, received a painting created by a penguin, otter, or sea lion at the aquarium. The winners were also given an opportunity to feed and touch cownose stingrays.
“OdySea Aquarium commends Brielle for her understanding of the significance of keeping the environment and wildlife safe,” the press release said.
