SA Student Wins Regional Gold Key Award

The piece Priya entered was inspired by her younger sister, Serena. Priya shared, “This piece was a surprise [to my sister]. She was so happy and honored that I painted her.” The portrait took approximately eight hours to complete.

“I felt very happy and overjoyed when I won,” Priya said. She hoped to do well although she didn’t think she would win first place. “The judges had very different expectations compared to the Congressional Art Competition's judges,” she said, which she won last year. Looking ahead, Priya plans to enter more competitions and hopes to major in fine arts or attend an arts schools.

According to the organization’s website, “The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity, and talent of our nation’s youth, and provided opportunities for creative teens to be celebrated [since 1923]. The awards have established an amazing track record for identifying the early promise of our nation’s most accomplished and prolific creative leaders. Alumni include artists Andy Warhol, Philip Pearlstein, Cy Twombly, Robert Indiana, Kay WalkingStick, and John Baldessari."

Priya’s portrait will be on display as part of the winners’ exhibit for the award’s Pittsburgh regional art exhibition at La Roche College from February 4 through February 19. The exhibit will conclude with a reception and awards ceremony.

Congratulations Priya!