Despite a pandemic, young Western Horseman fans sent in their best artwork for the sixth annual Western Horseman/Cowboy Artists of America Youth Art Contest.
Youth from all over the United States created stellar pieces depicting stock horses and cowboy life in a variety of mediums for the sixth annual Western Horseman/Cowboy Artists of America Youth Art Contest.
From the 55 entries received, staff narrowed the field to 10 finalists in the 14 to 18 age division, and five finalists in the 9 to 13 and the 8 and under categories. CAA members Chad Poppleton and Jason Scull then selected the champion and reserve in each division, and the overall grand champion.
Michael LaFevre, 15, of Mendon, Utah, won the 14 to 18 age division with Desolate Symphony and was named the overall grand champion. He receives a $1,000 scholarship from the Joe Beeler Foundation.
Reserve in the 14 to 18 age division second place was Dusti Rose Bistline, 18, of Fredonia, Arizona, with her piece High Hopes; she receives a $500 scholarship.
Third place in the 14 to 18 age division went to Emma Van de Voort, 17, of Lynden, Washington, for her watercolor Raising a Cowboy; she receives a $250 scholarship.
The champions
and reserves in the other divisions also receive prize packages from Western Horseman.
We’ve watched many
of our artists develop through the years, entering several times and in
different age groups as they grow up. Families with all siblings have entered,
and teachers have entered their students’ work.
For example, take
a look at the records of the top three finishers in this year’s 14 to 18 age
division:
In 2018, Michael’s In For The Catchwas the 9 to 13 age division champion. Last year, his first year to compete in the upper division, his oil, Runnin’ the Slopes, made the top 10.
Dusti won the 2017 Editor’s Award with her oil, John Henry, in her first year to enter. In 2018, she was the 14 to 18 age division champion and overall grand champion with Left Behind, another oil.
Emma’s charcoal pencil drawing, Afternoon Siesta, was the 9 to 13 age division champion in 2016. Her graphite drawing, In the Safety of His Arms, made the 14 to 18 age division top 10 in 2018.
We’re proud of these talented, growing Western artists who also belong to the Western Horseman family. Congratulations to the 2020 winners!
14 TO 18 AGE DIVISION
Grand Champion & Champion 14 to 18
age division
Reserve Champion, 14 to 18 age division/Joe Beeler Foundation $500 scholarship-winner
Third Place, 14 to 18 age division/Joe Beeler Foundation $250 scholarship-winner