Pulaski County Special School District: Maumelle High Artist Selected For 2021 Governor's Young Artist Competition And Exhibit

Press release from Pulaski County Special School District:

April 05, 2021

MAUMELLE, Ark. -- Maumelle High School junior Elizabeth "Izzy" Hankins was chosen to participate in this year's exhibit of artwork by 9-12 grade students from across the state. The exhibit opened April 1 and an awards reception will be held at the Governor's Mansion later this month. There were over 250 art pieces received and only 61 works from 58 students were selected to participate in this year's Governor's Young Artist Competition.  

"I feel overwhelmed with the excitement of my art being chosen as one of the representatives for Maumelle High School,” said Hankins. “I want to thank my art teacher and the Governor's Young Artist Competition for this opportunity."

This year's theme was "Dear America...Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." This theme focuses on each student's patriotic vision and celebrates America's strength, courage, and beauty. The 2021 competition provides an incredible opportunity for Arkansas' young artists to showcase their artistic talent in a way that celebrates and honors America. As students began evaluating their subject matter for their 2021 art submissions, they were to consider a few words given by the First Lady of Arkansas and how these words might relate to the 2021 patriotic theme.  

Her watercolor painting is titled "Life and Decay." Hankins’ artwork lends to the words of gratitude, reverence, and beauty.  

"The leaves changing throughout the year and the changing of the seasons is a nice visualization of the passage of time in one's life," Hankins said. "There is a beauty in the life and decay of each leaf as it goes through its journey with the tree.” 

This press release was produced by Pulaski County Special School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.