SALT LAKE CITY—Karmen Teuscher has always loved art. So when she was searching online for art contests and saw the 7th Annual Utah Senate Art Contest she decided to enter – and took first place.

“I found it and thought it would be cool,” said the Syracuse High senior. “I figured it wouldn’t hurt. I wasn’t thinking much about it.”

Every year, Senate President J. Stuart Adams and the Utah State Senate hold a Visual Arts Scholarship Competition that challenges Utah students to view the world artistically and express their creativity. Students are encouraged to share a visual idea of an aspect of Utah that is inspirational and meaningful to them, whether it be people, the land or a moment in the state’s history, according to the Senate.

Teuscher’s winning art piece is a charcoal portrait of her great-grandfather Sid. “For my AP art class I had to create a portfolio about everyday heroes and I made it for that,” she said. “He was the county sheriff and he was a super cool guy who helped a lot of people. I wanted to honor his sacrifices.”

Her mother is a graphic designer. “I’ve always had art in my life,” Teuscher said. “I’ve taken art classes and practice on my own. I just got into drawing people. I haven’t been very good at it so I just kept practicing. It’s a fun challenge for me.”

Second place went to another Davis County girl, Grace Kimber. “I drew a picture of a doctor holding a U of U logo sign,” said the Layton High junior. “I’m inspired by the healthcare workers around us who are working to make our lives better. Also women in the workforce. I want to be a doctor.”

Kimber said she loves drawing portraits. “I like any type of realistic art. I’ve loved drawing my whole life. This is the first art competition I’ve put in for which is pretty cool.”

She also had to submit an artist’s statement with the piece. “The people are some of the most inspiring and touching part of this wonderful state of Utah,” Kimber said. “Healthcare workers are working around the clock to make this world safer with the outbreak of the coronavirus. These people are the true heroes of society and elevate our vivid minds.”

Both girls received scholarships for their winning pieces. “I got a $5,000 scholarship to use at any school,” said Tuescher. “I want to be an engineer so that’s what I’ll study in college next year at USU.”

Kimber won a $3,000 scholarship. “It’s really, really cool,” she said. “My dream college is the U of U which is cool since that’s my inspiration. I want to be an orthopedic surgeon because I have a desire to help people and I think surgeons can help people make their lives better.”

The top 20 entries are on display at the Capitol building. “As the winner, my artwork will hang in the Capitol forever,” said Tuescher. “It’s a huge honor.”