12-Year-Old Sculptor Wins People's Choice Award In Lake Oswego

LAKE OSWEGO, OR — The community has voted and chosen the sculpture Amyas & Soleil as the 2018 People's Choice Award winner, the Arts Council of Lake Oswego announced Thursday.

More than 500 votes were reportedly counted, with 13-year-old Amyas Maestas taking the top position.

“We’re so happy that Amyas & Soleil has won the 2018 People Choice award," Arts Council Public Art and Program Manager Kelsey Ferreira said in a statement. "We received such positive comments from the community about Amyas' work and are thrilled to have it permanently on view in Lake Oswego. Amayas was only 12 when he submitted his work to Gallery Without Walls, making him the youngest artist in the program. To receive the honor of People’s Choice is a remarkable achievement."

Amyas was reportedly inspired by his grandfather, Huberto Maestas, who's produced art in his own studio for Amyas' entire life. Huberto also has a bronze sculpture titled Taos Patriarch on display at Gallery Without Walls.

Amyas' winning sculpture reportedly depicts himself and his sister, Soleil, in bronze.

"This sculpture is a universal symbol of joy," said Pat Vessely, an Arts Council board member and Gallery Without Walls juror. "I love that it depicts Amyas and his sister, Soleil. If you look at it closely, you’ll see a butterfly in Soleil’s hair and thumbprints left by the siblings on the sculpture itself."

Amyas' achievement will be honored during a celebration this summer at Unveil Your Art! at Lake Oswego's Sundeleaf Plaza in August. This spring, the sculpture will be placed at its long-term home at the Windward Development, Arts Council officials said.

"This year’s People’s Choice Winner, Amyas & Soleil, is wonderful addition to the City of Lake Oswego’s growing art collection," said Arts Council Executive Director Nicole Nathan. "It is a beloved piece that reflects the values of the community and is an example of work by a new generation of public artists."

For more information about the Arts Council of Lake Oswego or its galleries and programs, visit ArtsCouncilLO.org or call 503-675-3738.

Image via Arts Council of Lake Oswego