Kristie Cruz and Joslyn Cobb from South Kitsap High School have been selected to advance to state in the 2025 Olympic Educational Service District 114 Regional High School Art Show.

In addition, both students, along with Kylie Brown, have been awarded $2,000 scholarships from Central Washington University for their artwork.

Cruz’s piece, “Gentle Smile,” was recognized for its striking depiction of human expression, the judges said. She created the piece using graphite, charcoal and smudging techniques, working primarily with her index finger to blend details.

She said she hopes viewers find beauty in her work. “I might be odd, but I love to draw people’s faces,” Cruz said. “It’s a skill that I want to constantly improve in, and I take inspiration from faces every day.”

Cobb’s “Luna Moths” was also chosen to compete at state. Her piece highlights the delicate and ethereal beauty of the moths, using detailed artistic techniques to bring them to life.

“Lunar moths are one of my favorite insects,” Cobb said. “I think they’re really beautiful, and I like the symbolism that many people, including myself, use to connect lunar moths and the moon. I feel most at peace at night and think that lunar moths represent that peace that comes with the nighttime.”

Cobb said she was honored to have her work recognized. “I was shocked when I placed because I think there were so many amazing pieces in the art show this year,” she said. “Art has always been a hobby of mine, and I’d like to keep creativity in any career I choose in the future.”

Brown’s “Louder is Better” explores themes of self-expression. “The idea is how alternative culture can be seen as ‘wild’ or ‘unformal’ by society,” Brown said. “Their self-expression is their true self. It is more freeing to be ‘loud’ about who you are rather than hide from people who might think poorly of you.”

Brown said she was honored to receive the scholarship, but for unnamed reasons isn’t planning to go to college. “I wouldn’t have entered if it wasn’t for my art teachers who pushed me in the right direction and supported me in the competition,” she said.

Cruz’s and Cobb’s work will now compete at state, where the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will showcase outstanding high school artists from across Washington.

‘Gentle Smile’ by Kristie Cruz