Brooke High School artist created winning ornament

WINNING ORNAMENT — This ornament created by Anneliese Schupbach, a sophomore at Brooke High School, has been displayed after she was declared the winner in her division of a contest held by Cathy Justice, wife of Gov. Jim Justice. -- Contributed
WELLSBURG — As one of the winners of a statewide contest held by Gov. Jim Justice’s wife, Cathy, an ornament created by Brooke High School art student Anneliese Schupbach is on display in the Great Hall of the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston.
Anneliese Schupbach, a sophomore, painted a classic image of Santa on a small canvass for the contest, which drew 144 entries from 23 counties.
She and winners for grades pre-kindergarten through second, 3-5 and 6-8 were announced by Randall Reid-Smith, state commissioner of arts, culture and history, at the Joyful Night event that includes the lighting of the Christmas tree at the State Capitol building.
This year for the annual contest, Cathy Justice invited young artists throughout the state to submit an ornament inspired by the theme, “Deck the Halls with Santa Claus.”
“I’m absolutely delighted with the incredible creativity we’ve seen in this year’s student ornament competition. Our theme, Santa Claus, brought out so much talent and imagination from students all across West Virginia,” said Justice.
She expressed congratulations to the four winners and thanks to all students who participated.
“It’s always such a joy to see the effort and artistry our students put into their work. These ornaments will add a special touch to the Culture Center this holiday season,” said Justice.
Each winner was awarded a $100 gift card for art supplies.
A student of Sara Walden Roark, Schupbach said she used acrylic paint to depict a Santa with the long, white beard and velvet, red suit for which he’s known while perching a cardinal, the state bird, on his hand.
“I wanted him to look like a vintage Santa,” said Schupbach, who said she enjoys producing images that elicit pleasure and thought.
“It’s a beautiful piece,” said Roark, who noted it was the first time students from her class entered the state contest.
The daughter of Heather and David Schupbach of Follansbee, she said she plans one day to be an art teacher while continuing to create her own works of art.