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CEDAR CREEK — A Bastrop Independent School District student recently earned top honors in a statewide art competition.
Lorelei Smith, Cedar Creek High School sophomore and budding artist, claimed first place in the high school 2-D division of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Art Contest. She took home a custom belt buckle and a $6,000 scholarship for her colorful piece, “Majesty in the Meadow,” which features a striking depiction of a longhorn.
L orelei ’s mother, Jol e en Smi t h, an alumna of the University of Texas at Austin, was the inspiration behind the award-winning piece, according to Lorelei.
“My mom had been wanting me to draw a longhorn for her, so I created a big, beautiful piece to ref lect the beauty I see in her every day,” Lorelei said. “I originally made it for her birthday, but she convinced me to enter it into the contest. I was so surprised when it won first place.”
The FWSSR Art Contest received over 2,000 entries from students across Texas, with the work required to reflect Texas culture or western environments.
Lorelei crafted her piece as an 18-by-18inch colored pencil drawing. This was her first time competing in the contest.
In addition to her FWSSR win, Lorelei’s drawing fetched another $2,000 when it was sold at auction Nov. 2 during the Cowboy Artists of America’s 58th Annual Exhibition & Sale. These auction proceeds will be awarded to Lorelei as an additional scholarship.
Lorelei is considering a double major in art and business, though her post-high school plans remain open, according to the young artist.
Lorelei’s award-winning artwork will be on display at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth from Jan. 17 to Feb. 8, 1720 Gendy St.
