SALT LAKE CITY – Every year, President J. Stuart Adams and the Utah State Senate hold a Visual Arts Scholarship Competition. This contest challenges Utah students to view the world artistically and express their creativity. With no specific theme, students were encouraged to share a visual idea of an aspect of Utah that is meaningful and inspirational to them, whether that be the land, people or a specific moment in the state’s history.

 Today, Sen. Kirk Cullimore read the winners' names, and the students from around the state joined virtually during morning floor time.

The top 20 entries are on display in the Capitol building, and the artists have been awarded scholarships to support their college and career goals. This year’s top three art contest winners include:

• Karmen Teuscher, Syracuse High School

• Grace Kimber, Layton High School

• Emily Wiley, Tooele High School

“I am amazed at the art our high school students created this year,” said President Adams. “Seeing Utah through the eyes of our students is inspiring. It is a privilege to view their art as I walk through the Capitol every day.”

President Adams, his wife Susan, Sen. Cullimore, Sen. Jani Iwamoto and two professional judges selected 20 winners for the exhibition.

The 20 student winners will receive scholarship awards deposited in a My529 account, which is a Utah educational savings plan. The first-place winner will receive $5,000, second-place will receive $3,000, third-place winner will receive $1,000, with the remaining 17 receiving $500. The first-place piece will remain permanently in the Utah Senate suite.

The competition is hosted by President Adams and the Utah State Senate. It is made possible because of the support of My529, the Division of Arts and Museums in the Department of Heritage and Arts, as well as the generous donors.

For those who are unable to view the art in-person, a virtual gallery has been created and can be viewed here.