Addie Nester – Winner, Conrad Ainslie Bauman Award for Best Artwork

Addie Nester, 11, is a 5th grader at Grapevine Faith Christian School and lives in Texas with her parents and older sister. Addie has been drawing practically since she was old enough to hold a pencil and takes a sketchbook everywhere she goes. Addie especially loves drawing her own versions of book characters and is also trying to perfect her ability to draw humans. When Addie isn’t sketching you can typically find her reading, playing tennis, or spending time with her two dogs. Addie also enjoys the great outdoors, helping others, and hopes to one day have a career as either a cartoonist, photographer, or possibly an architect or interior designer. It will be exciting to see where Addie’s talent takes her!

Click here or scroll down to view Addie’s winning artwork.

Our Interview With Addie

Was this the first time you entered the contest?
Yes!

How did you hear about the contest?
My art teacher from Grapevine Faith Christian School, Mrs. Gorman, told me about the contest.

What inspired your work?
The theme, Three Branches of Government, inspired me to draw a literal interpretation. It was a play on words.

What did you learn while creating your entry?
I learned more about the architecture of the buildings and how to challenge my artistic abilities since I’ve never drawn many structures before.

How do you plan to spread the word this year to your peers about the importance of the U.S Constitution?
It would be great if Constituting America could talk to my school! I can also talk to my friends.

How do your friends respond to history or talking about the Constitution?
It’s hard to get kids (5th graders) to talk about history and the Constitution, but my teachers are good at telling us about how we are lucky to live in such a great country. My 8th grade sister loves talking about history and the Constitution, though.

What do you love about U.S. History and the forming of our government?
I love that we live in a free country! I’m also thankful for laws which help keep us safe.

Which U.S. historical site would you like to visit?
I’d love to see Mt. Rushmore. Now that is impressive art! It’s hard to believe someone carved those faces into the side of stone.

Which American historical figure is most influential/inspirational to you?
I think Thomas Edison is interesting. I think it’s impressive that he created so many valuable things, such as the light bulb and one of the first motion picture cameras.

Who is your greatest role model?
I can’t narrow it down to just one person. I look up to my teachers, my tennis coach and my parents. I really look up to how my mom takes care of our family…especially when we are rascals.

What in your life are you most passionate about?
ART!

How do you spend your free time?
I read, play tennis, play with my dogs and also practice improving my drawing skills. I take a sketch book with me everywhere I go.

What are your plans for the future?
I would love to be a cartoonist, animator, photographer, architect, tennis player, interior designer or anything along the lines of utilizing art and creativity.

If you could do one super impactful thing to help people, what would it be?
I wish I could get more people to stay off social media because I think they would be happier if they spent more time outside or visiting with their loved ones.

Why is the Constitution relevant today?
The Constitution is relevant because it helps protect our rights.

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