Young artists inspired by our marine heritage were rewarded for their endeavours at an awards ceremony at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences.

Primary, middle and secondary school students were presented with prizes at a reception by BIOS and The Masterworks Foundation.

The art competition, 'Where Art and Science Meet', built on the education outreach programmes of the two organisations to bring art and science learning together.

Students were invited to explore marine science themes such as coral reefs, caves, the deep ocean and global climate change.

The results used an eclectic mix of drawing, painting and sculpture, and included colourful 3-D dioramas.

Among the awards were bursaries to BIOS and Masterworks youth programmes plus a snorkel trip aboard BIOS Explorer. Artcetera gift certificates were also presented for classroom art supplies.

BIOS Education Officer John-Paul Skinner said: "For centuries, art has been used to convey scientific concepts. Artists have drawn exact pictures of newly-discovered species, built models to represent natural systems and have painted their impressions of the wonders of the world.

This competition encouraged local students to share their artistic impressions of the marine world based on the themes of the 2007 BIOS Explorer programme 'On the Rock'."

Carrie Zenti, Masterworks Education Coordinator, added: "'Where Art and Science Meet' was a fantastic opportunity for students to take a closer look at the natural environment that exists here in Bermuda, as well as examining the environmental issues surrounding the preservation of the Island's natural habitats.

"The student art exhibition can bring attention to the beauty, mystery and relevant issues that are a part of the marine heritage of Bermuda. We thank all the teachers who facilitated this project in their classroom."

The exhibition can be viewed at BIOS throughout January and also marks the Institute's hosting of this week's international conference of the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO).

A full list of winners is as follows:

Primary Group projects

3rd: Somerset Primary — Mrs. Williams

2nd: Prospect Primary — Mrs. Leonardo

1st: West End Primary — Mrs. Cooper

Middle Group projects

3rd: Emily Nagel, Yaki Hoshina and Ceilia Blood — Somersfield Academy

2nd: Ryan Whitney, Asha Casey and Ben Collis — Somersfield Academy

1st: Spencer Burrows and Ben Ruthjen — Somersfield Academy

Middle Individual

3rd: Kelsie Simas — The Learning Express Academy

2nd: Jordan Carey — The Learning Express Academy

1st: Kelly Howe — Somersfield Academy

Senior Individual

3rd: Janae Smith — BHS

2nd: Chloe Brooks — BHS

1st: Julia Judd — BHS

Most Unique: Julia Judd

Most Technical Interpretation: Janae Smith

Best Illustration of Theme: Prospect Primary

Best Artwork to be adapted and used for the 2008 Marine Science Day T-shirt: Chloe King

Best in Show — People's choice: Somerset Primary — Mrs. Williams