State Representative Carol Kent's 2nd Annual Young Artist Showcase attracts unique artwork, record participants and a good crowd.

Held just prior to the end of the school year, Rep. Kent hosted students from throughout District 102, which includes both the Garland and Richardson Independent School Districts.

Several dozen pieces of artwork, springing from the imaginations of more than 30 students, were highlighted at the showcase.

Recognized artists included students from RISD, GISD, Akiba Academy, the Shelton School and Harmony Science Academy. The yearly event was held at the RISD Administration Building in Richardson.

Approximately 60 people attended the gallery review of artwork illustrating this year's showcase theme, "Texas, Our Texas."

"I'm quite impressed with the level of artwork received in our Young Artist Showcase," said Representative Kent.

"It's more than apparent that our schools are filled with children who are gifted with abundant creativity and talent."

Both elementary and secondary level students participated in the showcase.

Incorporating this year's theme, students submitted a wealth of entries in a variety of mediums, including charcoal, pastels, watercolors, and acrylic and oil paintings that captured the essence of "Texas, Our Texas."

The students' artwork was also displayed state Capitol in Austin during the last week of May.

2010 Young Artist Showcase participants

• Aikin Elementary: Andrew Martinez
• Akiba Academy: Tova Kam, Ava Melmed, Tamar Yahalom
• Bowie Elementary: Sienna Copeland, Victoria Hudson and Rachel Porter
• Forest Lane Academy: Jeremiyah Aikins, Nancy Gamarillo and Ryan Whitworth
• Forestridge Elementary: Tatu Magahura, Angel Nguyen and Diego Straube
• Garland High School: Dulce Castaneda, Meghan Dahlke, K.J. LaGrone and Gracie Quiros
• Hamilton Park Pacesetter: Kaitlyn Blackwell, Abby Gluckman, Zarah Harris and Lily Rogers
• Harmony Science Academy: Henock Abera, Paollee Gonzalez and Edgar Villa
• RISD Academy: Lisbet Garcia and Magaly Pinda
• Shelton School: Jonathan Bailey, Kelsey Barton, John Biavati, Nick Gioldasis, Brianna Larosiliere, Nancy Neuhoff, Noah Richmond, and Jared Willis

Photos: (below left) HPPM student, Kaitlyn Blackwell, accepts her award; (below right) Rep. Kent congratulates Aikin Elementary student Andrew Martinez.