Sketched Memories
FEATURE
K
ylieBlu Santiago stood shocked in front of a large group of people as she just learned that her piece titled, “A Father’s Love” was selected for the top prize in the Ninth Congressional District Art Competition. Emotional cheers from her family rang through the room at the Western Caballeros Museum in Wickenburg as KylieBlu’s graphite sketch was unveiled as the first place winner during the ceremony. In addition to the top prize, she received the People’s Choice Award from Paul Gosar, United States Congressman from the 9th district. Still in shock, KylieBlu was asked to give a speech about the creation of the piece that was a portrait sketch of her and her father, Ivan, from her childhood. 28 OCTOBER 2023
“I was crying the whole time. I was very embarrassed as I did not know I had to give a speech,” said KylieBlu. It was true emotion and through tears she shared how happy she was to be chosen and how truly grateful she was to get to share her art with so many people. The Congressional Art Competition celebrates the enormous talent and cultural contributions of high school students. KylieBlu’s artwork was chosen out of thousands of submissions. This annual contest, first started in 1982 and with over 650,000 participants since, recognizes the best art of the year from high school students. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of congressional district artists select the winning entries.
