2025 Climate Hope Art Contest award winners plant seeds of hope

The celebration of the 2025 Climate Hope Art Contest for children and youth of the United Church of Christ was held on Saturday, April 5. This was the third annual event awards ceremony, and the UCC’s Susan Mueller, Climate Hope campaign organizer, kicked off the Zoom celebration by saying, “Caring for creation is not just a political issue, but a spiritual one.” She continued, “Together we are living out a theology of hope, resilience, and justice.”

Entries were sent in by 140 churches, representing 33 states across the U.S., with 541 artists participating. Pennsylvania lead the pack with the most zip codes. The state with the highest number of participants was Wisconsin with 58. Age groups included: Under 6, age 7-9 years, age 10-13 years, age 14-18 years, and an overall winner was chosen.

Judging was based on how the artist articulated the Climate Hope theme, which this year was ‘Planting Seeds of Hope,’ as well as artistic ability, and whether the artwork would fit on a postcard. The overall winner will advocate with the offices of their members of Congress, tour the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and learn how they can bring their faith values to life in the halls of power. Additionally, the winning entry will serve as the logo for the UCC’s Climate Hope advocacy work throughout the year. As a bonus, the overall winner’s church will receive $1,000 prize from the UCC Insurance Board.

The winners!

In the 6 and under age group, the winner is Sara, age 5 from Payson Park Church in Belmont, Massachusetts.

In the 7-9 years category, Jolina, age 8 from Coral Gables UCC in Florida is the winner.

Ages 10-13 category was won by Eloise, age 13, from the First Congregational Church of Madison, Wisconsin.

And in the 14-18 ages group, Molly, age 16 of Hillsboro, Oregon UCC is the winner.

The overall winner is Natalie, age 11, of Bethlehem UCC in Evansville, Indiana. Her artwork will serve as the logo for Climate Hope in 2025.

Mueller was very pleased with all of the entries. “For the third year in a row, our Climate Hope Art Contest has inspired young artists across the country to plant seeds of hope through their creativity. We’re also thrilled to launch our Climate Hope Affiliates program, empowering local communities to build lasting relationships with elected officials and advocate for vital federal climate legislation. If you’re interested in starting an affiliate in your area, let us know here: Interest in Climate Hope Affiliate Program.

You can view the entire awards ceremony on the UCC YouTube channel:

Learn more about the UCC’s Environmental Justice efforts HERE.

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