Artist of the Year Sponsors include: The Frederick Community Bank, Paxton Casey's,
​Paxton Diary Queen,  and Paxton IGA.

2021 Artist of the Year: Reese San Diego

Reese is the daughter of Anthony San Diego and Lynne Westerhout of Loda.
For other aspiring artists and art students like herself, Reese offered some sound advice: “Admire, don't compare. It's so easy to stack your own abilities against someone else and get discouraged by their talent. Rather than compare yourself, take that other person's skill as inspiration for your own work!! Also, trust the process. I know it's so easy to get wrapped up in wanting to constantly improve, but it all comes with time and effort!”
After high school Reese plans to attend Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut and is planning to major in English.
To read more about the artist click HERE and follow her art adventure on Instragram @zappybara.

2019 Artist of the Year: Katy Guerts

2018 Artist of the Year: Adeliade Penzo

2017 Artist of the Year: Payton Newman

Payton is planning to work for a year and then relocate south to attend college and become a tattoo artist!

2016 Artist of the Year: Nora Snyder

The artwork above, created with watercolor and ink pen, received Honorable Mention, at The Eric Show among over 200 artworks on display and 18 local high schools presented. 
Nora is planning to attend Parkland College in the fall of 2016.  She will be studying nursing with the desire to become a traveling nurse. 

2015 Artist of the Year: Emily Goetting

The artwork above, a realistic color pencil drawing,
received Best in Show at The Eric Show,
a competitive local area high school art show, in 2015.
Emily is currently attending Parkland College in Champaign, IL.  
To keep up to date on her artwork endeavors check out her blog.

2014 Artist of the Year: Brittany Heyen

Congratulations to 2014 Alumni, Brittany Heyen, for receiving Best In Show for her metal, interactive sculpture at the
State Town and Country Art Show!
To see what Brittany has been up to at the UOI,
 check out her website here. 
Brittany is currently attending UOI
double majoring in Graphic Design and Photography.