SOOPER ART REWARDS STUDENTS WITH PLENTY OF GREEN

For seven years, the Wege Foundation sponsored an environmental art competition inspired by the Sooper Yooper books by artist Mark Heckman and writer Mark Newman.

Hosted by the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the contest drew thousands of entries over the years, awarding more than $35,000 in prizes. Winners came from dozens of different schools from across the state of Michigan.

Awards were presented in three age groups: 5-8, 9-12 and teens. One winner in each age group every year was presented with the $250 Mark Heckman Special Merit Award.

The contest is no longer being held, but you can view several galleries of some of winning artwork below:

Click here to view a gallery of the winning 2017 entries.

Click here to view a gallery of the winning 2016 entries.

Click here to view a gallery of the winning 2015 entries.

Click here to view a gallery of the winning 2013 entries.

Click here to view a gallery of the winning 2012 entries.

Click here to view a gallery of the winning 2011 entries.

Click here to read MLive’s news article about one of the past Sooper Art contests.

Click here to visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum website and learn more about GRAM programs.