Create a recycled bag for Defenders' contest

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will again sponsor an arts and crafts contest utilizing recycled materials. Entries will be displayed at the Defenders' booth at the McHenry County Fair, July 30 to Aug. 3.

In conjunction with the unveiling of its "BYOBag (Bring Your Own Bag)" McHenry County logo and county initiative, this year's theme centers around bags.

Create an original piece of decorative or functional art reusing old plastic bags. Tape and glue should be kept to a minimum. Surface decoration is encouraged.

The two age categories are for students and adults 18 and older. Each piece must be accompanied by a 3-by-5-inch card containing the artist's name, contact telephone and address, age, if artist is a student, otherwise the word "adult," name of piece and description of piece.

Judging will be based on the use of recyclable items with respect to aesthetics, creativity and utility.

A small prize and certificate will be awarded, and winners will be featured on the Defenders' website and in the quarterly newsletter.

Artwork must be submitted by Thursday, July 24, to the Environmental Defenders office, 110 S. Johnson St., Suite 106, Woodstock, and must be picked up from the office by Aug. 11. Winning pieces will be designated with ribbons and winners notified by the start of the fair.

For more information, contact (815) 338-0393 or mcdef@owc.net.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation.

Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions. For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call (815) 338-0393.