The Successful Closing of the Third Crying Ocean Art Contest

Since 2021, Shanghai Root & Shoots has been hosting the Crying Ocean Art Contest , encouraging young children to learn about ocean conservation knowledge and raise public awareness through the medium of art. 

With the assistance of several high school students, Shanghai Root & Shoots once again launched the Crying Ocean Art Contest this year on World Oceans Day (June 8th). This initiative received tremendous support from numerous schools and organizations.

A group of young ocean guardians, aging from 4 to 12 years old stepped forward, using their paintbrushes to depict the ocean in their eyes and convey the voices of marine life. Let’s take a look at their artworks, and you will feel the compelling calls and cries of the ocean!

We express our heartfelt gratitude to all participants!

This year, Shanghai Root & Shoots received a total of 79 pieces of art from 77 young artists representing 7 different schools and institutions. The artworks were presented in various forms, including pencil drawings, crayon art, watercolors, oil paintings, collages, 3D installations, digital art, and so on.

All the submitted works were outstanding, each with its unique charm, leaving a lasting impression and making the selection process quite challenging. After online voting and expert evaluation, we proudly present the top 10 award-winning artworks.

Award List

First Prize: “Don’t” Ni Yixuan, 6 years old,Center Kindergarten, Wangdian Town, Xiuzhou District, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province

Second Prize:”Tears Recycling Station”Andrea Xue, 6 years old,Shanghai British International School, Puxi Campus

Second Prize:”The Ocean Is Crying”Felix Xue, 8 years old,Shanghai British International School, Puxi Campus

Second Prize:”Despair of the Whales”Kyra H Jiang, 11 years old,Western International School of Shanghai (WISS)

Third Prize:”Happy and Sad Polar Bears”Jing Zhang, 7 years old,Shanghai Dulwich College Puxi Campus

Third Prize:”Overlooking”Wu Jiayang, 9 years old,Chunhui Primary School, Tongxiang, Jiaxing, Zhejiang

Third Prize:”The Guardian of the Ocean”Keana H. MOK, 10 years old,Shanghai British International School, Puxi Campus

Third Prize:”Don’t Hurt Me Anymore”Bella, 11 years old,YWIES Tongxiang Campus

Third Prize:”The Little Black Crow Isn’t Happy Anymore”William Tansenxin, 6 years old,Shanghai Hongqiao International School (SCIS)

Third Prize:”The Crying Ocean”Iris Lim Xin Yu, 8 years old,Shanghai British School, Puxi Campus

On September 17th, Shanghai Root & Shoots hosted an awards ceremony. On this special day, we had the privilege of meeting many exceptionally talented young artists. We gained insights into their concerns and perspectives on ocean pollution, as well as their unwavering determination to protect our blue oceans. Shanghai Root & Shoots’ Operations Director, Wendy Zhu, attended the event and presented certificates and prizes to the award-winning young artists, encouraging them to continue using art to protect the environment and create a brighter future. We believe that with our collective, relentless efforts, the sea bird depicted by Wu Jiayang, standing on a mountain of garbage and gazing into the distance, will surely find its companions and a warm home.

Due to the limitations of the selection process and our experts, some deserving young artists may not have received awards. We want to encourage these participants dearly as well. Everyone showcased their artistic talents brilliantly. Once again, we extend our gratitude to all who participated! We hope that you will keep-up your loveon environmental conservation and continue to protect the blue oceans.

Special thanks to CPA Australia for supporting this event and providing the venue.

We would also like to express our gratitude to the high school student volunteers for their support throughout the event.

Jennifer Xu ,Elaine Chan,Chloe Tsai,Dora Cheung,Lilia Cai,Sarah Wei