First place: Kylee Crowe

Grade: 6
County: Estill
School: Estill County Middle School

Artist's statement: "In my drawing, a barn with a quilt square from the Estill County Quilt Square Trail stands as a symbol of my Appalachian roots. These quilt patterns represent the strong women who raised me, the farms and back roads that shaped me and the dear heritage I carry forward. I love my county because it is more than just where I live, it is who I am."

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Second place: Avery Long

Grade: 7
County: Boyle
School: John W. Bate Middle School

Artist's statement: "I chose this image because I love driving through the countryside and seeing all of the beautiful animals and cows grazing peacefully in the fields. I also love seeing the happy farm families in the peaceful countryside. These always make me smile each time I drive by."

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Third place: Porter Branscum

Grade: 8
County: Russell
School: Russell County Middle School

Artist's statement: "I love Russell County because of its natural beauty, where rugged landscapes like Rockhouse Bottom, Lake Cumberland and peaceful forests come together to create breathtaking views like the one in my painting. It reminds me daily of the history, strength, and serenity found right here at home."

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Kindergarten: Lara Barker

County: Elliott
School: Lakeside Elementary School

Artist's statement: "I love my county because the sun makes the sky pretty and everyone is my friend!"

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1st grade: Ahem Chaurasia

County: Jefferson
School: Greathouse Shryock Traditional Elementary School

Artist's statement: "I love my county because we have fun family festivals with drone show and fireworks where we all come together. It makes me happy as we celebrate special days as one big family."

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2nd grade: Cohen Phelps

County: Butler
School: Morgantown Elementary School

Artist's statement: "My artwork is of a tractor pull event that happens in our county. I think the tractors look really cool. I like how fast they go."

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3rd grade: Clara Jesse

County: Shelby
School: Heritage Elementary School

Artist's statement: "I chose a farm to draw because I live on a farm in real life. I also did it because animals live on farms and I love animals. At my house I help my dad with cows and chickens. While I drive on the backroads of Shelby County, I always see lots of farms."

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4th grade: Victoria Jiminez 

County: Powell
School: Bowen Elementary School

Artist's statement: "I love my county because we have Natural Bridge State Park. Here is a picture of the natural bridge."

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5th grade: Gracie England

County: Hart
School: Munfordville Elementary School

Artist's statement: "I love fair week in Hart County, it brings our community together, this is why I chose to draw the fair at night. I am 10 years old and I love drawing, painting and coloring. I created this picture with oil pastels and paint markers."

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6th grade: Kendra Scrogham

County: Hardin
School: North Hardin Middle School

Artist's statement: "I painted Tioga Falls to represent why I love Hardin County because I enjoy the peace that comes with the waterfall on this trail. Tioga Falls of Hardin County is a beautiful place to look for wildlife and calm down. It is a soothing and easing site with the waterfall at the end of the trail and blissful nature surrounding it."

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7th grade: Bailey Moore

County: Henderson
School: Henderson South Middle School

Artist's statement: "I love my local library because I've made a lot of friends through the teen program. It's a safe space for everyone, and such a beautiful building."

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8th grade: Annalee Vincent

County: Edmonson
School: Edmonson County Middle School

Artist's statement: "My painting is a display of the rich history of Edmonson County. I love that there is so much to do and explore in our county, which is also rooted in history. From our waterways and caves to the farmland, there is so much in our county to appreciate and be proud of."

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