Parkway High School’s senior, Kyleigh McVay’s creativity and talent have earned her the top spot in the annual Highland Jazz and Blues poster contest! Her colorful design not only wowed the judges but also won her a $500 cash prize.

As a Talented Arts Program student, Studio Art student, and an i3 Art Expo participant, Kyleigh says, “I have done art all of my life and it’s my passion.”

Kyleigh was made aware of the Highland Jazz Blues poster contest by her art teacher. The art teacher admired Kyleigh’s creativity and suggested she enter the poster contest. When Kyleigh heard about the contest she thought the opportunity was a cool idea and got to work immediately creating her poster. Since Kyleigh is an advanced placement (AP) art student, after winning the Highland Jazz and Blues poster contest, Kyleigh’s winning art is now a part of her AP art portfolio.

Since Kyleigh is a senior this year, she is considering different art schools and trying to figure out the direction she would like to go to pursue art as a career. She shared that she is currently thinking of exploring visual arts and animation as a career path.

How did Kyleigh Get Started Making Art?

“My family has always been behind me and my art, supporting me every step of the way,” Kyleigh said.

At a young age, she knew that art would be a part of her life forever. She says she remembers her father doing a lot of water coloring when she was a young girl. Kyleigh began water coloring with her father at the kitchen table, creating a fond memory she still carries with her today. Kyleigh’s brother also influenced her to create. He always had Prism colors that she wanted to use. Prism colors have a higher pigment content with professional quality. Kyleigh’s brother told her, “You can’t use these unless you’re a great artist.” Kyleigh said that night she drew a tiger over and over until it was perfected. Kyleigh explained, “From there, I was like I am going to do this every day.”

The Inspiration Behind the Winning Art

The inspiration behind the art piece is Kyleigh’s vision of people who create Blues, Jazz, and Bluegrass music. The bass player in the drawing is created to look like a Bluegrass music artist that Kyleigh saw as a kid at the Shreveport Library. When that vision rushed back to Kyleigh, she dove into her creative space and began creating. The winning art piece serves as the official poster for this year’s 20th Anniversary Highland Jazz and Blues Festival.

Kyleigh says the support of her family keeps her creating. Her family pushes her to become better as an artist. They are her biggest cheerleaders and will continue to be!