Congratulations to Green Apple Art Center students Rosy and Shelly! Both of their artworks have been selected as semifinalists in the 2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge, in the 11–14 age category. This year’s theme, "Hidden Wonders of the Deep," invited students to tell unseen stories of the deep sea through the power of visual art.
Semifinal Results Announced
March 28, 2024
As an international competition, the Science Without Borders® Challenge encourages students and educators to engage with ocean conservation through art. It aims to raise awareness about the mysterious creatures and unique ecosystems hidden in the depths of our oceans, while promoting the importance of environmental protection.
This year, the contest received over 1,700 entries from 82 countries around the world, with more than 900 submissionsin the 11–14 age group alone. Students expressed the unseen beauty and diversity of the deep sea through their own interpretations, reminding us of the wonder and magic found in nature. Out of all entries, only 36 works from 16 countries were selected as semifinalists—and we’re proud to say two of them are from GAAC.
The Science Without Borders® Challenge is a global art competition that encourages students and educators to support marine conservation through artistic expression. Hosted annually by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, the competition fosters creativity while raising awareness of the importance of protecting and restoring our oceans and aquatic resources. Open to students aged 11–19, winners can receive scholarships of up to $500.
This year’s theme, “Hidden Wonders of the Deep,” asked young artists to spotlight the lesser-known marvels of the ocean. Guided by experienced instructors, our GAAC students created works that captured the mysterious and extraordinary creatures and ecosystems of the deep sea, highlighting its hidden beauty and diversity.
🎨 Rosy
"Jail Break"
Oil Pastel and Crayon
The deep sea is filled with hidden wonders. Humans have long tried to explore it by sending submarines and cameras into its depths. We collect specimens and preserve them in jars to study and learn more—but sometimes we forget that the deep sea is home to these creatures. Taking them away is like putting them in prison.
This artwork tells the story of a submarine capturing deep-sea life, which eventually sinks—leading to a "jailbreak". The marine animals escape from the jars, rescue their coral friends, and try to flee the sunken submarine. I was especially fascinated by bioluminescent creatures, so I focused on depicting glowing animals in the dark. Using bright, saturated colors really helped achieve that glowing effect.
🎨 Shelly
"The Mingling of Life and Death"
Colored Pencil
In my artwork, I wanted to represent the cycle of life and death. When a whale dies, its body becomes a home to scavengers on the ocean floor, creating what’s known as a whale fall. Its remains nourish and give rise to new life.
In my piece, you’ll notice that all the whale-fall creatures are shaped like whales themselves. This symbolizes the idea of life reborn through death—the whale is metaphorically reborn through the organisms that depend on its passing. Many people view life and death as separate, but in truth, they flow seamlessly into one another. Eventually, those creatures are eaten by others, continuing the cycle, all the way back to the beginning.
Let us celebrate our young artists for their powerful imagination and meaningful storytelling through art. We’re incredibly proud of Rosy and Shelly for standing out on the global stage and bringing awareness to the deep sea’s hidden wonders!