TVAA Youth Art Contest winners

The Tehachapi Youth Art Contest is on display this month at Gallery 'N' Gifts. This annual event has been showcasing art by local students for over 30 years.

First Friday was quite the event with students, family, friends and community visitors coming to see what this year's artists had to offer. This event is so popular it requires a second special showing on Saturday morning with a cookie and punch reception from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which is always a hit with the young artists.

"This is the most spectacular showing we've ever had for a Youth Art Contest," said TVAA President Gale Caldwell. "Every year it just gets better and better. This community is just blossoming with new creative talent and TVAA is thrilled to be able to donate art supplies to the schools each year through our fundraising efforts."

Below are the awards given out:

Best of Show High School:

Amy Fong

Best of Show K-8:

Emelia Flynn

Grades K, 1, 2:

First place: Natalie Newman

Second place: Ivy Barnes

Third place: Bella Fulton

Honorable Mention: Juniper Barnes and Kameron McCallum

Grades 3, 4, 5:

First place: Emelia Flynn

Second place: Emery Carrillo

Third place: Rowan McPheron

Honorable Mention: Maxton Carrillo, Lila Amos and Nicolas Whittier

Grades 6, 7, 8:

First place: Bailey DeMarce

Second place: Elliott Dobrenen

Third place: Abby Lesina

Honorable Mention: Grace Mitchell, Stella Schneir and Teagan Joob

High School:

First place: Amy Fong

Second place: Mackenzie Arand

Third place: Carly Sterk

Honorable Mention: Scarlett Dyer and Regina Esquivel