Goodwin’s Market hosts California of the Future Student Art Contest

Jan 22, 2026 | Arts & Culture, Crestline

Contestants hold their Certificates of Appreciation.

By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY

Senior Writer

 

Every year, Assemblyman Tom Lackey sponsors a student art show, and this year the exhibition for the mountain artwork was held on the upper deck at Goodwin and Sons Market in Crestline. This upstairs deck was transformed into a lovely art gallery overlooking beautiful Lake Gregory for those invited on Friday, January 16th, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The room was set up theater style with tables containing cookies and cupcakes across the front, while approximately 10 to 15 pieces of art were displayed along the ledge overlooking the interior of the market.

Although Assemblyman Lackey was unable to attend the show due to budget discussions in Sacramento, his presence was felt, since he personally reviewed each and every student’s work of art for evaluation. Since Lackey is a former California Highway Patrol sergeant, it was decided to have the contest judged by current members of the CHP.

An exotic painting.

During the pre-award part of the evening, some three dozen students, teachers and invited guests enjoyed snacks while examining and commenting on the student-created works of art, ranging from amateur to cartoonish, exotic and pastoral. The deck was set up like an art gallery with everyone milling around, enjoying the art.

Prior to the awarding of the art contest winner’s certificates and ribbons, ten-year-old Lainey Vensel was asked what inspired her to become an artist, to which she replied that she had always enjoyed drawing and painting. Encountered proudly holding a painting of the sky, the sun and some people was six-year-old kindergartner Rita Casey, who attends Charles Hoffman Elementary School in Running Springs. Rita’s mother recalled how her daughter’s penmanship and art was beautiful since the first time she picked up a pencil at age five.

Kristy Miller, who teaches a 4/5 combination class at CHE, shared that Rita not only enjoys painting, but that she and her 8-year-old brother Daniel both love dancing and playing chess as well. Miller was thanked by the coordinators for being a supportive teacher and coming to this art show.

The awards were presented by Assemblyman Lackey’s 34th District Director Anna Zarley. When the time arrived to announce the winners, all the artists were standing in front of the audience.  At press time on Monday, the California of the Future Art Show contest award winners had yet to be announced.

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