The NRDC Environmental Art Prize

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, NRDC announced the eleven finalists for our first-ever Environmental Art Prize. Now, we’re ready to unveil the winner, as chosen by our jury: Saundra McPherson (http://www.sumcpherson.com/).

Ms. McPherson -- along with finalists Bridget Grady, Janet Culbertson, Ted Hayward, Cole Gerst, Elsie Hill, and Nick Savides -- will be exhibiting their work at the Nabi Gallery (http://www.nabigallery.com) in New York City starting on June 10th.

To enter, artists were required to submit images of six environmentally related paintings, drawings, prints, or mixed media pieces via Flickr by April 6, 2010.

Jury and Process

The prize winner was selected by an independent panel with staffing assistance from NRDC and the Nabi Gallery. In selecting from the finalists, the jury considered the following criteria: overall excellence; use of materials and technique; originality and innovation; and fidelity to the twin goals of the prize -- reminding viewers of the earth's natural beauty and drawing attention to the serious environmental threats facing our planet.

NRDC is grateful to the following art experts who have volunteered to join the Environmental Art Prize jury:

• Susan Crown
  NRDC Trustee; Artist; Principal, Henry Crown and Company; Executive, Foundation Chair, Community Activist
• Carrie Elston
  NRDC New York Council member; Artist
• Shelly Malkin
  NRDC Trustee; Landscape painter; Conservationist
• Josie Merck
  NRDC Trustee; Artist; Founder, Ocean View Foundation
• Christopher Rothko
  NRDC President's Circle member; Writer; Curator; Archivist
• Val Schaffner
  NRDC President's Circle Member; Co-Owner, The Nabi Gallery

The composition of the jury panel is subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of NRDC and the Nabi Gallery.

Contest Details

By submitting his or her six works for consideration, each artist represented that he or she is the sole creator of those works. Independent of NRDC, the winner and any other finalists selected for exhibition will negotiate financial arrangements with the Nabi Gallery for the sale of their work during the exhibition. NRDC plays no role in the sale of these works. All commercial transactions are between the artist, the buyer, and the Nabi Gallery.

Saundra McPherson will be responsible for the transportation of her work to and from the Nabi Gallery in New York. Neither NRDC nor the Nabi Gallery will be responsible for any loss of or damage to her works of art, however caused. Should she choose to attend the opening of his or her exhibition at the Nabi Gallery, she will be responsible for travel expenses to and from New York, and for the cost of room and board while in New York. These provisions apply as well to the other finalists who have accepted invitations to participate in the exhibition.