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Student’s Artwork On Display in Nation’s Capital This Summer
June 17, 2021 – Columbus City Schools Sophomore Nysahna Keppler has always been a doodler, drawing pictures whenever she has any spare time. Little did Keppler know the image she created after finishing a math test early during her freshman year would turn out to be an award winner. Keppler’s drawing won first place in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for Ohio’s 3rd District, represented by Rep. Joyce Beatty.
“I missed the Zoom call where they announced all the winners,” said 15-year-old Keppler, who just completed her sophomore year at Columbus Alternative High School. “I got distracted doing something else at home, so it was my art teacher who told me. I was pretty psyched.”
Keppler’s drawing is of a girl in a billowy, red, and pink floral skirt, her arms casually folded over her head. The same pink flowers from the girl’s skirt are woven into her long, curly black hair.
“The drawing conveys peace and beauty with the girl and her environment as if they are one and the same,” said Keppler.
“I am so happy for Nysahna, especially after this unusual school year,” said Jeffrey Knick, Visual Arts Educator at Columbus Alternative High School. “She pours her heart and soul into all her artwork. She always wants to do a good job. To say I am proud is an understatement.”
Keppler has received awards for her artwork in regional and statewide competitions, but nothing this big. As a first-place winner, Keppler’s artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C., and she, along with a family member, will be flown to our nation’s capital for an art reception later this summer.
“I’ve never been out of the state of Ohio, and I’ve never been on an airplane,” said Keppler. “I am so excited and thankful for this opportunity.”
An opportunity that happened because Nysahna Keppler finished a test early and was bored, so she started drawing.