Today, EarthLab announced the winners of our inaugural UW Undergraduate Visual Arts Competition, celebrating unique artistic interpretations of environmental and climate justice. This contest encouraged University of Washington students across all campuses and disciplines to create art that reflects their perspectives on these critical issues. The competition aimed to elevate awareness of environmental justice, promote diverse student voices, and highlight the intersection of art, environment, and community.

Casey Olmstead’s “Social Ecosystems,” which won first place, illustrates the resilience and activism of marginalized communities against environmental degradation. Suler Lu’s “LIfE cycleS,” awarded second place, critiques the global waste trade’s impact on non-western countries. Lizzie Hackett’s third-place piece, “Cyclical,” emphasizes the consequences of human actions on the environment and other species. The winning artworks will be displayed at EarthLab offices and select events, with Olmstead’s piece featured in an upcoming data visualization project. This contest has not only showcased student talent but also underscored the powerful role of art in communicating environmental justice.

Check out our story map about the art contest here