Among students from several local counties, freshman Ashley Erickson won first place in the 2010 Congressional Art Competition with her colored pencil artwork, April 6.

Sponsored by Congressman George Radanovich, R-CA, the competition allows individuals in Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Toulumne and Stanislaus counties to enter their works of art in hopes of nationwide recognition.

In recognition of her talent, Erickson’s drawing will be displayed at a national exhibition in the Cannon Tunnel leading up to the United States Capitol. The artwork will remain there for one year.

Along with this distinction, Erickson has received the opportunity to attend the reception and announcement of the national winner in Washington, D.C. This winner will be presented with a scholarship.

Erickson’s illustration began with inspiration from a conversation with fellow freshman Maddie Yee in their art class. What was intended to be a simple picture transformed into a work of art, she said.

“One day in art, Maddie and I were having a random conversation about vegetables,” Erickson said. “I got a sudden urge to draw an artichoke because they are delicious and funny-looking. After the artichoke was finished, Mrs. [Sharon] Scharf suggested that I do two more vegetables because the artichoke turned out so well. I chose asparagus and Mrs. Scarf chose broccoli once I finished that.”

Scharf suggested that Erickson frame the three graphics together when the finished products emerged. As a result, Erickon’s artwork took shape.

“When a student is motivated to work up a specific project, it is his or her idea and not mine, and will be far more interesting to him or her,” Scharf said. “The simplicity of the subject, Ashley’s patience and the fact that she is a stickler for detail made it a perfect fit for her.”

Throughout her time in art class, Scharf has mentored Erickson and her other students. Erickson says this advice has benefited her artwork.

“Mrs. Scharf has been an amazing help, critiquing my work and telling me to keep improving when I’m done — or think I’m done,” Erickson said. “She always has good ideas for artwork and is just a fun person in general.”

Erickson had confidence in her picture, she said, although she did not expect any large-scale results. However, according to Donna Dami, an employee in Radanovich’s office and head of this year’s competition, the judges appreciated Erickson’s use of agriculture to represent the Central Valley.

“Personally I was very pleased with the piece and felt that it had potential to do well,” Erickson said. “I absolutely never expected to win the contest — this round, at least. I thought that I would get my drawing back soon, and maybe the judges would like it. This came as a huge surprise.”

Erickson plans on attending the final reception and announcement in Washington, D.C., on June 17. Radanovich’s staff has agreed to set up any tours for the Ericksons during their time at the Capitol.

“This is what I’m really excited about,” Erickson said. “It’s such an honor to get this opportunity that I would never have gotten otherwise. Winning the national contest would be a huge honor, but just being able to go to D.C. and have my art hang there is enough for me.”

For Scharf, the win brings many forms of satisfaction: her accomplishment as a teacher, Erickson’s personal achievement and the school’s recognition.

“I nearly jumped out of my skin when I found out,” Scharf said. “For our little school to win this competition is fantastic. Our school’s name will be hanging in Washington, D.C., for a year. I get a great deal of satisfaction when I see a student receive the recognition he or she so deserves. It’s what teaching is all about.”

In addition to Erickson’s entry, sophomores Lizzie Williams and Zed Fries submitted artwork to the competition. According to Scharf, their entries impressed her with quality, design and overall aesthetic appeal. Williams presented a white charcoal drawing of a shell, while Fries practiced his scratchboard skills with a lighthouse, embellished with ink.

Fries said he admires the freshman’s style and achievement.

“I think that her artwork should have won and I’m glad that she did,” Fries said. “She is a fantastic artist and I enjoy her work. Her style is unique and detailed and I find myself wondering how she accomplishes such great artwork.”

Although Fries did not receive an award for his entry, he still contains a love for art, and finds himself desiring to continue competing.

“My art is very time-consuming and tedious, but seeing the finished product is like nothing I can describe,” Fries said. “Through my years as an artist, I’ve found I just can’t get enough of it. I hope to compete more often because I know I am capable of winning and I hope to win more often. I’d also like to start a new type of art, but that’s another story.”

The experience encourages Erickson in her artistic perspective. She said that she plans to continue her work and improve her skills, knowing her work is recognized.

“Drawing is something I really enjoy and am fairly good at,” Erickson said. “This win only makes me want to draw better things now. This has given me a huge boost in confidence in my work and just gives me loads of extra excitement. I feel incredibly honored to have this opportunity; it really is a lifetime opportunity.”

For more information on art, read the Oct. 22, 2009 article, Chalk contest highlights artistic outlet.