KDOT Announces Aviation Art Contest Winners

Young artists from around the state were recognized recently for submitting winning artwork in the Kansas Department of Transportation’s 2020 Kansas Aviation Art Contest.

The contest is designed to challenge young people to use creative expression through art to illustrate the importance of aviation.

Artists ages 6-17 were divided in three age categories (junior, intermediate and senior) to create art that celebrates the adventure and excitement of aviation. The theme for this year’s contest was “Flying Yesterday and Tomorrow.”

“With over 300 entrants from across the state, it’s obvious the passion for aviation still beats loud in the hearts of Kansas’ young people,” said Bob Brock, KDOT Director of Aviation.

2020 Kansas winners included:

1st Place: Junior: Lily Weidemier, McPherson; Intermediate: Siena Masilionis, Leawood; and Senior: LeeAnn Skinner, Topeka; 2nd Place: Junior: Tripp Pelzel, McPherson; Intermediate: Kamron Clone, Newton; and Senior: Jessica Ta, Wichita; and 3rd Place: Junior: Journey Linthicum, Parsons; Intermediate: Lyssa Kay Beesley, Dighton; and Senior: Lola Speicher, Randolph.

The first-place winner in each age group receives a prize package from the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education (KCAE), which includes a drone and a tablet among other prizes. State winners will be submitted to the International Aviation Art Contest hosted by Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).

“Bringing the ‘art’ of aviation to the classroom engages students’ creativity while highlighting careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics),” said Lindsey Dreiling, President of KCAE.

To see the artwork, go to https://www.facebook.com/KDOTAviation