What started as typical bell work has led to a national art award for one scholar.
Eight-grader Ryla Faulkner recently received a gold medal in the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her artwork, “Furry Hasbrouck”.
The award is a prestigious recognition for creative scholars in grades 7 through 12.
Ryla is the only middle school scholar among the five Pinellas gold medal winners.
She says the story begins some weeks back when she was bored with bell work in art class.
So, she responded to her art teacher, Jenna Hasbrouck, for giving her an assignment by taking her photo and drawing her as a cat.
“Furry Hasbrouck” was born.
Ms. Hasbrouck said she thought Ryla’s drawing was “amazing and hilarious.”
“I instantly saw the potential in the piece to be an award-winning scholastic artwork,” she said. “I love that Ryla was inspired to create this artwork and I am honored to be her teacher.”
Ryla said she was “jumping for joy” when learned she won.
“I didn’t think I would win because the other art was better because it was on a high school level,” she said.
Ryla says her inspiration comes from her thoughts.
“Sometimes I don’t follow the bell work prompts because I already have an idea in my head,” she said.
Ryla said this summer she will travel to New York to receive her award.
