Rau Art contest winners named

Olivia Boyd, an Academy of the Sacred Heart senior, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship for her fourth-place finish in the 10th annual Rau for Art Scholarship high school competition. A total of $13,000 in scholarships were announced May 14. The contest is open to students in sophomore to senior year.


Boyd drew her rescue beagle in colored pencil.

“She ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog, and I say that with all the love in my heart because that is her most quintessential description,” Boyd said. “She’s loud – cryin’ all the time, she’s never caught a rabbit (though she has caught several opossums), but she is a dear friend of mine. I love her in all of her hound hot diggity dog-ness. This image represents that second of anticipation before the happy frenzy that my beagle and Big Mama Thornton’s song bring to the table.”

More than 120 students from 33 local high schools across the New Orleans area submitted artwork using the theme, “Art Inspires Art.”  To qualify, students must submit a two-dimensional painting or drawing in oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, pastel or charcoal. These works are judged on interpretation of theme, originality and execution and technical ability.

Placing first was Khalil Mc­Knight, a New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) 11th grader who won $7,000; Elliena Ingraham, a Patrick F. Taylor senior, second place with $3,000; and Ella Stouse, a NOCCA senior, third, receiving $1,500.

Among the top 10 finalists were Catholic school students Jaiden DeGeorge and Laila James, Cabrini seniors; and Mount Carmel junior Isabella Costanza. Their work can be seen for the next two months at M.S. Rau Gallery, 630 Royal St., New Orleans, and online at rauforart.com/?page_id=16596.