Mattapoisett — Fifth graders at Old Hammondtown School competed to see who could create the best tree-themed artwork, and on Wednesday, Feb. 26, two winners were acknowledged by the Mattapoisett Tree Committee at the Mattapoisett Library. 

Jodi Baur, of the tree committee, said that the annual poster contest helps instill the lesson of “how trees are important in our community,” to the students who choose to participate. 

This year, 11 entrants submitted work based on the theme of “Trees please,” which was determined by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. 

A panel of Mattapoisett artists then voted on the first-place winner, and runner-up. Baur said that artists chose winner Abigail Balsis based on her ability to tell a story through her artwork.

Balsis’ drawing is centered by a tree trunk with its roots extending from the planet Earth, and its branches reaching into the sun. On one side of this tree, are factories, and a tree being cut down. On the other side is a healthy tree, with roots in the shape of a heart, “it’s very happy on that side,” she said.

Balsis said that when she first heard the theme, she thought about the future, and how people need to work together to help the environment. She explained that the two sides of her drawing represent people who don’t care about the environment on one side, and those that do on the other. 

Baur said that runner up Ivy Elger for her “artistic eye”  that was on display in her acrylic painting. 

Elger said that she created a winter landscape based on inspiration from a recent skiing trip. 

Art teacher Greta Anderson said that the competition is a good learning opportunity because it forces students to take an abstract idea, and represent it visually. She praised Balsis for her color blending, and Elger for her use of perspective. 

Baur said that Balsis’ drawing will advance to the state level competition in Boston. The winner of the state competition will be awarded a tree to plant, as well as art supplies.