American Iron announces "Art of Recycling" winners.

Minneapolis-based American Iron has announced the winners of its sixth annual "Art of Recycling" metal sculpture competition.

All of the sculptures in the competition are made entirely from scrap metal that American Iron made available to local artists. The company says it sponsors the contest to promote recycling awareness and to support local arts.

Contestants are allowed one hour to select raw materials from American Iron's main yard and five weeks to create their sculpture.

Entries were displayed to the public on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis July 18 and 19. The juried contest is held in conjunction with the Minneapolis Aquatennial celebration.

Artists were awarded cash prizes for first, second and third place in one of two categories.

Winners in the large category were:

* First place, Dillon Allen, "King Agua;"

* Second place, Dirk DuBois, "Only Space Bugs Wear Samurai Armor;" and

* Third place, Shelly Koland, "Grace."

Winners in the small category were:

* First place, James Bailey, "The Gift;"

* Second place, Abbie Vander Horck, "The One That Got Away;" and

* Third place, Virgil Fairbanks, "Untitled."

Photos of all the contest entries are available at American Iron's Web site at www.scrappy.com.