June Challenge: Self-Portrait

WINNER

Wild Love
by Franny Valdez

“As a birder, I love bringing my binoculars to the park and hiking the trails to see what’s out there. This collage features the black-capped chickadee and the red-bellied woodpecker, two species I see frequently in the Metroparks. Being out in nature is peaceful and restorative for me, and this piece reflects what puts a smile on my face when I’m out amongst the trees.”

YOUTH WINNER

Illustrating in Nature
by Amelia Herring

“This is me in a camping area at one of the Metroparks. I am comic journaling with markers. I love this area because it is a great place for making art and roasting yummy marshmallows.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Flying Surprise
by Stephanie Sayers

My son in the wildflower butterfly field
by Patty VanLente

At the Picnic Table
by Lily Herring

Nature Walk in the Sunset
by Amora Pennington

BACK TO SUBMISSIONS

Thank you to everyone who participated in this month’s challenge! We received many wonderful submissions.

JUDGES

Maria Tejada (Guest Judge)

(Q) How long have you worked at the Metroparks?
I’ve worked at the Metroparks for 5 years.

(Q) What is your role at the Metroparks?
(A) I am a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Support Specialist. I assist with data collection, staff training, and improving the accessibility of our parks.

(Q) What do you love most about the Metroparks?
(A) What I love most about the Metroparks is the variety of activities to do while enjoying nature. I regularly go for a hike on the nature trails, kayak and bike in the parks. And every year I look forward to our summer family reunion at Willow Metropark!

Jennifer Wright (Guest Judge)

(Q) How long have you worked at the Metroparks?
(A) 27 years ( 6 years Part Time and 21 years Full Time)
(Q) What is your role at the Metroparks? I am the Natural Resources Coordinator.
(A) Human Resources Generalist
(Q) What do you love most about the Metroparks?
(A) Besides the awesome employees we have, I love watching the Metroparks change with all four seasons.

Sherri' Mealy (Lead Judge)

(Q) How long have you worked at the Metroparks?
(A) I have been working at the Metroparks for 7 years.

(Q) What is your role at the Metroparks?
(A) I’m a graphic designer who works on a variety of creative marketing projects. Beyond ads and signage, I especially enjoy designing for our Pop-up Shop, creating stickers, and developing visuals for events and promotions.

(Q) What do you love most about the Metroparks?
(A) What I love most about the Metroparks is being surrounded by nature and knowing the work we do helps protect it. It’s rewarding to play even a small part in keeping these spaces open and welcoming, while also having the chance to bring creativity into the mix.