I enter a watercolor painting of a Cuban grandfather. My Uncle Dale had taken this picture and agreed to let me paint it. I am awarded my first State Award for the watercolor. I had entered at the WRAP in Whitewater. I am very excited and it’s my first time winning at the state level.

I went to the State Award Competition in Madison and though I did not win, it was fun to be among all of the other winners. It was great to be with all of the other artists. I started recognizing faces and people started recognizing me.