2024 Emerging Artists Competition

Arts for Rural Texas (ARTS) is delighted to announce the success of its annual Emerging Artists Competition and Exhibition. Young artists grades 6 – 12 were invited to showcase their creations for a chance to earn ribbons and cash prizes. This year, the competition received a record-breaking number of submissions, with a grand total of 99 entries from 58 students.

The Emerging Artists Competition is graciously underwritten by Arne and Mary Le Johnson, with the wish that the show will encourage youth to seek creative and successful avenues of expression in their lives. ARTS believes in the importance of art experiences for children in rural communities. Engaging in art empowers children with valuable tools for self-expression and sets a strong foundation for their overall growth.


2024 Emerging Artists Winners

Best in Show

Friday Night Lights Afterparty

by Julia Pardy

6th Grade Winners

1st Place

Young Einstein

by Gavrielle Footnick

2nd Place

Free Rollin’

by Gavrielle Footnick

3rd Place

Purple Beauty

by Rylie Adams

Honorable Mention

Pelican Stare Down

by Rylie Adams

7th Grade Winners

1st Place

Hand Painted Feathers

by Charlotte Schmidt

2nd Place

El Ojo Triste

by Angela Soto

3rd Place

Home of a Wasp

by Penelope Paterson

Honorable Mention

Rusty

by Sean Rogers

8th Grade Winners

1st Place

Main Street

by Vivian Daniel

2nd Place

Succulent Serenity

by Makenna Emmel

3rd Place

Our First Ride

by Vivian Daniel

Honorable Mention

Essence of Texas

by Jaycee Zapalac

9th Grade Winners

1st Place

La Lumière

by Batyah Footnick

2nd Place

Elegant Bird

by Michelle Onianwa

3rd Place

Girl with Her Cockatiel

by Michelle Onianwa

Honorable Mention

Femininomenon

by Bianca Carrillo

10th Grade Winners

1st Place

Bamboo Bandit

by Olivia Dominey

2nd Place

First Dance

by Lorelei Smith

3rd Place

Sunset Orange

by Emma Koeth

Honorable Mention

Sangre de Cristo Mountains

by Paul Rogers IV

11th Grade Winners

1st Place

Buen Dia Con Edin

by Katherine Inestroza

2nd Place

Glory Awaits

by Brent Jones

3rd Place

The Color of Life

by Nolan Dominey

Honorable Mention

Modern Cowboy

by Parker Weishuhn

12th Grade Winners

1st Place

Feastin’ South Texas Style

by Julia Pardy

2nd Place

You and Me Always

by Heily Mellado

3rd Place

Mother and Chick

by Grace Moore

Honorable Mention

Texas Capitol

by Raynie McAlexander