CPLS is proud to highlight senior Emma Nasseri who has won two awards this Spring, one in Topeka and one in a national competition.

Locally, Emma was named a 2019 “Young Artist of the Year” by the Topeka Performing Arts Center, in the area of Visual Arts. According to TPAC’s Executive Director, Larry Gawronski, “the Young Artists of the Year Awards have been a tradition at TPAC since 1994 and we are thrilled to give Topeka youth the chance to further their education and pursue their dreams of working professionally in the Arts.” Applications were judged by a panel of local experts in the fine arts including Shannon Reilly of Topeka Civic Theatre, Andie Stitt of University of Kansas, Ye Wang of Washburn University, and Lara Brooks of Washburn University.

Nationally, Emma’s drawing “Limelight” received the 2019 Blakey Art Prize from the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS). This competition is open to all ACCS member schools across the country and this year, sixteen drawings and 13 paintings from 19 different schools were entered into the competition. Emma received a $500 first place prize and had her drawing on display in Atlanta, Georgia in June during the ACCS National Conference, attended by CPLS Administration.

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Some of the feedback from the ACCS judges included:

• “Wonderful perspective and texture! Looks like a vintage photo.”
• “Excellent contrast in textures and attention to detail. Contrasting range in values from foreground to background creates depth.”
• “The contrasting values of the piano keys as they recede into shadow make this a dramatic piece. The technical accuracy is outstanding. I can feel the keys and hear the music.”

CPLS loves celebrating when students receive recognition through the quality work they produce each year and Emma serves as a great example of the dedication and talent that comes from God’s blessings and a classical education. Way to go Emma!