PRINCE ALBERT — Kiara Levesque, a Grade 10 student from Carlton Comprehensive High School has been named the winner of the People’s Choice Award for the High School Juried Art Show.
Her captivating watercolour piece, titled "Kokomi," has captured the hearts and votes of the public, earning her this prestigious recognition, the Mann Art Gallery said in a press release.
Levesque was amazed to be selected as People’s Choice winner.
"I mean, I was surprised, but I have a pretty dedicated family,” Levesque said. “We went every once in a while (and voted). There's just so many amazing pieces in there that it was really anyone could have won, but I'm of course happy that it was me.”
“Komoni’ was inspired by a character from a video game Levesque played. She liked the character’s bright colours and flowery hair and thought it would make a great watercolour piece.
"I found inspiration from one of her story quests that I was doing in the video game,” Levesque remembered. “She made it rain in the middle of nowhere and I was like, ‘I need to capture that,’ so I've really tried my best.”
Levesque works in several different mediums, but watercolour is her favourite.
She hopes to have another piece strong enough to enter the show again next year.
She currently serves as an Art Assistant at Christina’s Art School and has demonstrated remarkable talent and dedication to her craft.
In their award announcement, the Mann Art Gallery credited Levsque’s piece for showcasing strong technical skill, and for standing out with its vibrant colours and intricate details.
The High School Juried Art Show saw more than 60 submissions this year, spanning various mediums including photography, welding, oil, pastel, and clay.
“The diversity and quality of the artworks displayed highlight the immense talent present in our young artists. Each piece was a testament to the hard work and artistic growth of the students, making this year’s show a truly inspiring event,” reads the award announcement.
Altogether 10 youths were awarded at the opening reception of the High School Art Show. Grade 10 student Owen Willie received the Artistic Innovation Award for his metal sculpture called Cowpoke. Zyrah Macatuno, also in Grade 10, was awarded for Creative Exploration in Any Medium for a photography entry called Sunscreen. Grade 11 student Siobhan McKinney received the Emerging Artist Award for an acrylic on canvas piece called Farm House. Alex McLeod, a Grade 11 student, took the Juror’s Choice Award for photography entry Alter Ego.
The Artistic Achievement Award was passed to Isabella Peters for her pencil sketching piece entitled Styles. Two artists were named for the Barb Lacey Memorial Award: Kain Torgersen, a Grade 9 student, received the award for Deathnote created with alcohol markers; Grade 12 student Emily Hrynuik was awarded for Buffalo Runner, a mixed medium beadwork on a leather piece. Naviah Johnson, a Grade 11 student, took the Photography Award for Windows to the Soul.
The High School Juried Art Show ran at the Mann Art Gallery from April 27 until June 8.
The Mann Art Gallery congratulated Levesque for her outstanding achievement with "Kokomi."
The People’s Choice Award is sponsored by Kyla Art Group.
