HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – An 8-year-old here is among 15 art contest winners announced by Air Force Services Center earlier this month as part of the 2022 Department of the Air Force’s Arts and Crafts Program.
Competing against other entries, Rhiannon Mouser entered a pencil drawing of a “Blue Ringed Octopus” that was painted using watercolors. Her creation placed second in the “Youth 6-8 years” category.
“It makes me feel happy, kind of bubbly and excited, like I just opened a can of seltzer,” said Rhiannon.
More than 1,600 people submitted 2,240 pieces of art in the annual contest.
The joy of her win almost didn’t happen because, according to her mom, the young artist didn’t want to enter the contest initially.
“She was like, ‘I really don’t want to do it, I draw for me,’” said Maj. Jenifer Mouser, 66th Medical Squadron Laboratory and Radiology officer in charge.
Rhiannon painted the picture for her little brother, Nathan, and was afraid she would have to send the original piece to enter. However, a photo of the artwork sufficed for entry.
“We submitted, I think, the day before the end of submissions [March 31],” said Mouser.
After learning Rhiannon won, her mother wanted to send a text with a picture to let extended family members know, but the first-time winner didn’t.
“She wanted to tell the family herself,” said Mouser. “She’s been calling all of her aunts and uncles and grandparents.”
Rhiannon and Nathan are homeschooled by their father, Steven, and art is part of the curriculum.
This past school year, the aspiring artist attended a weekly class at a local art school.
To further her art education, Rhiannon and her dad also watch age-appropriate art classes on YouTube, which he said helps hone her skills.
“That’s where she has really learned from people who really know how to teach [art],” said Steven. “How to create shapes and designs. How to make eyes come a little more alive.”
Improving as an artist is something Rhiannon is committed to.
“I like to challenge myself,” she said. “I try to do things that, I don’t think I can do or that would be hard for someone around my age.”
Rhiannon’s win comes with a $400 gift card. According to her parents, some of that will go into savings and some will be donated, but Rhiannon already knows what she wants to do with some of her winnings.
“I’m thinking about buying a bag to put my cat in so I can take him outside,” she said.
The Hanscom artist will move up to the “Youth 9-12 years” category.
She said she did take a quick look at the winning entries in that category.
“I looked at it a little bit, but I didn’t get too into it,” said Rhiannon, “I wanted to go outside and ride my scooter.”
To view Art Contest winning entries and other submissions, go to https://forcesupport.awardsplatform.com/gallery/obKOADbQ.